Adivce or tips on introducing ducklings to one another?

[TracyLM75]

Hi all, I have a beautiful orphan muscovy duckling.He/Shes been with us since early march.Its a joy to have around this baby around the house. I knew that he/she needs some company so yesterday I bought 2 more ducklings in around the same age range and one that is just slightly older from a farm. I currently have the 3 ducklings quarantined in my garage in a large dog crate. So heres my question because my little one is so imprinted on us I am kind of worried about him/her being accepted. Ive raised chickens and I know they can be brutal on new members so Im very nervous for my baby.Should I introduce just one duckling at a time to him? I dont want him to be overwhelmed or ganged up on and pecked.I already had a feral adult muscovy female come in the yard and yank his feathers out when he was free ranging the other day.( Side note the 3 ducklings I got were not handled as babies so they are very skittish and I am not able to handle them that much. )

 

[Isaac 0]

Split your brooder in half with wire, so they can see and hear each other, but can't touch, do this for a few days and finally let them out with one and other and see how they do. A little bit of pecking will be normal at first, if it continues or gets out of hand separate them for a few more days and keep trying.

 

[TracyLM75]

Ok. I have some chicken wire and poles i can fence part the run off with. How long should i keep them quarantined before introducing to my duckling?

 

[TracyLM75]

I'm thinking because they are all quarantined together mine will be the odd man out even though the run and coop is his home turf.

 

[Isaac 0]

Quarantine as in to prevent disease transmission from one bird to the other, that's very rarely a problem with waterfowl, especially at their age. I would do the no-touch but see method I suggested above.

 

[TracyLM75]

Yes. I was worried about possibly introducing disease. The farm had lots of ducks, turkeys chickens, and peacocks. A lot were free ranging. But if disease isn't a big threat,I may try the introduction this weekend. Just wanted to make sure my little one would be safe. He/She is quite a character. I would feel terrible if anything happened to the little guy. I've gotten quite attached to it. ❤

 

[TracyLM75]

These are the 3 I got yesterday. One is a little older and has more feathers in.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Maybe after they have met side by side for a day or two you can try one on your little ones side. Then if that goes well maybe after another day or two try another. Until all of them on on your baby’s side. Might work. Love those Muscovy ❤

 

[TracyLM75]

Maybe after they have met side by side for a day or two you can try one on your little ones side. Then if that goes well maybe after another day or two try another. Until all of them on on your baby’s side. Might work. Love those Muscovy ❤

I think I might try that. Maybe start with the smallest duckling first and move up from there.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am thinking with taking one at a time your breaking up the order and the three will not be as dominant one at a time on your babes side will be just like they are new all over again. Worth a try. Please be sure to let us know how it’s going.