Advice for 1 Drake/1 Hen -- questions inside

[thistlewick]

Just wondering what to do.

He is coming up on sexual maturity and we realize he probably needs some more girls. Should I buy ducklings? Do they integrate the same way chickens do? Should I try and find some adult hen ducks? That might be incredibly difficult.

I didn't realize, it was incredibly impulsive of me when I bought the two lonely last ducklings in that TSC bin in February haha

Would just like some advice from more experienced duck keepers.

We DO have the opportunity to rehome him to someone who will take him -- but I'd like to try and keep him if I can. He's a sweet little derp, I love him.

 

[KathiQuacks]

You could purchase sexed ducklings, but you’d need to wait ‘til they’re mature themselves to be safely introduced to him, which would take many months.
Adult hens might be best, if you can find them. I recommend 4-5 girls per boy.

For introduction, you start with a fence between them for at least a few days, so they can see but not touch. Then, you can try supervised time together. Chasing and small fights are fine, but separate & try again later if anyone is being too aggressive. Mine only needed ~2 weeks to integrate.

 

[thistlewick]

Thank you so much for this, will start looking out for 3-4 more hens -- does type matter? The boy is a Fawn and White runner, the 1 hen I have is a white layer mix.

 

[KathiQuacks]

Thank you so much for this, will start looking out for 3-4 more hens -- does type matter? The boy is a Fawn and White runner, the 1 hen I have is a white layer mix.

It most likely would not matter. Runner males are a fine size for any hen, big or small. And all domestic ducks (besides Muscovy) are descended from Mallards, so they can socialize with each other very well.

 

[thistlewick]

It most likely would not matter. Runner males are a fine size for any hen, big or small. And all domestic ducks (besides Muscovy) are descended from Mallards, so they can socialize with each other very well.

Okay thank you!

Do you also recommend I get a couple more hens for him just to make sure he never eyeballs my chickens? haha

 

[KathiQuacks]

Okay thank you!

Do you also recommend I get a couple more hens for him just to make sure he never eyeballs my chickens? haha

Having more duck hens will definitely help, yes, but be aware it’s not a 100% guarantee that he’ll be deterred.
I personally think they should be kept completely separate. Or at least have a back up plan to separate in case it’s needed.

 

[thistlewick]

Having more duck hens will definitely help, yes, but be aware it’s not a 100% guarantee that he’ll be deterred.
I personally think they should be kept completely separate. Or at least have a back up plan to separate in case it’s needed.

Yes! I do have a backup plan (rehoming) - thank you so much for your help.
We can consider getting a separate pen for them too.