Advice on getting a duckling???!!!!!!

[Sue S]

I would like some advice on adding a duckling to my duck family. I have 4 mallards, 2 males & 2 females that are 13 weeks old & i'm thinking about getting a duckling from a family friend whose female ducks had a total of 15 ducklings so she is over run with little ones.!!!! Plus it's hard for me to resist having another little one running around!!!! But this is where I need some advice, 1st will my ducks accept this little one into their group & 2nd the duckling is only a couple days old, can I put it into the pen at night with my ducks or will they hurt it or kill it?????

 

[Valhalla Acres]

If you get the duck I wouldn't put it with the others. Wait until it is older and then introduce him/her.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I wouldn't put a newly hatched ducking in with 13 week old ducks that too big an age and size range. I would also get 2 ducklings so they can be brooded together then when they are old enough have a see not touch pen so your older ones can get use to the others. You can set a pen up inside your pen you have then put a dog kennel or something similar in it so the 2 will have a place to sleep. It usually takes anywhere from a week to longer for all to be use to one another enough to be together full time but it will happen.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I agree with what has already been posted. Your drake to hen ratio is even which should be more like 1:3 or better yet 1:4. So, you definitely do not want anymore drakes.

 

[Sue S]

Thanks for the advice, That's why i'm questioning on to get another duckling or not, I know if I do get anymore ducklings I should get 2 so they can grow up together but do I want to have 6 ducks total, that's my dilemma!!!

 

[Lil Drake40]

6 are no different than 5. Except in number not that much more cleaning or feeding involved

 

[Sue S]

That's true, I'm not concerned about the feeding or the cleaning & we have enough property & a large enough pond for them, I guess my only worry is I have an equal number now 2 males & 2 females, what if I get 2 more & their both males or both females. I'm just over thinking this.

 

[Lil Drake40]

Only problem when getting unsexed ducklings. It is something to be concerned about

 

[Miss Lydia]

Both females would be your best deal then you'd have 4 females to 2 drakes still not idea ratio but better.