Adding new ducks to my flock

[marxette]

I read through the threads about this issue but I'd still like some input. I have 4 older ducks, two mallards, one pekin and one buff. I've had three of them for almost 9 years. We have a relative coming here to live with three Muscovys, two female and one male. I have a large chainlink yard where my ducks are free to roam. We've discussed sectioning off the yard with hog panel until the ducks are at least a bit accustomed to each other. How long before they can be together? The weather here will be cold in a couple of months.

 

[Canadian Wind]

It depends on the ducks, really. Some are fine immediately, others take a bit longer. Watch them as they interact, and then keep an eye on them once you do allow them together. I had no issue when I introduced my Muscovy to my Magpie and Cayuga, apart from them being a bit freaked out by the Muscovy, wondering what the heck they were, lol!

 

[Miss Cheep]

When we added muscovys to our flock of non-muscovys we seperated them, and then we watched them and they seemed to ignore each other. After one night, if they are not fighting then it should be fine to let them together.

 

[marxette]

Thanks for the input. I'll post an update when they get here.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

You did not mention what genders your current ducks are? My females are usually much more accepting of new comers than my drakes.

 

[ruthhope]

Thanks for the input. I'll post an update when they get here.

I would do the separation as you plan so that they can see but not touch for a few days. In my experience, adding new ducks is easiest if they mix during the day first, but sleep separately for longer. I added 2 pekins to my flock of 2 muscovy and a pekin [all drakes] earlier this year. The 2 new pekins do not get on with my muscovy although my original pekin is best buddy with one of my muscovy. So the new pekins are free ranging during the day but at night are still in individual dog crates in my coop 4 months later. They are drakes so will have different dynamics to your females addin 2 females and a drake.