Adopting new duck.. What to do with her on the first night?!

[ellieuki]

I'm adopting a new Hen for our feathered flock (one Pekin drake and a crested hen) but she won't be arriving until it's just about coop bedtime - I would imagine she's going to be terribly frightened by the whole change of scenery.
I have a couple of questions - I would appreciate any help offered!

-- Should I let them see each other, even if its for a little bit?
-- Do I set up a Temporary coop in the run for her that night? Won't she get lonely by herself?
-- Do I set up a kennel type cage for the night in our garage and let her sleep there?
Not sure how to arrange her sleeping arrangements ... How long until they all can sleep together in the coop..

What about an issue with viruses or bacteria spreading from the new duck to the old ducks??!!

Thanks in advanced!

 

[Amiga]

I would want her in quarantine for at least a couple of weeks, with an unbreakable mirror and as much time with you as possible. A fecal sample to the vet to check for parasites and bacteria would be good.

Then let them see each other through a fence, give treats to all, then when they seem elaxed about it, let them meet face to face with close supervision. After a bit you will know when it is okay for them to be together without you.

 

[TLWR]

Keep her separate for a while or you could end up with sick ducks.

 

[ellieuki]

What type of illness could they spread to each other? Are they airborne ? Spread by sharing water bowls?

She's coming Thursday night - so I'll be able to take a fecal sample to our vet by Friday.

 

[Amiga]

I think some viruses may be airborne, and some diseases are spread by their feces. They poop, step in it, step in the food bowl, the water bowl, or just noodle around in the poopy bedding.

 

[ellieuki]

So would it be safe to say ... Once her fecal sample comes back clear -- she is ready to join the flock? Given there are no other visual signs of illness?

Thanks!!

 

[Amiga]

Since ducks can hide illness, you need to consider how long to keep her in quarantine. Balancing the hassle and stress on her with everyone's well-being.

Also, I would (and this is probably not the best approach, medically) consider the environment from which she came. From a less than reasonably clean place, or from a very tidy place, for example.