Aggressive 4 day old duckling! What do I do?!!

[asenicholson]

We have had chickens for years and just purchased 3 ducklings
(4 days old). One of the ducklings, which I believe is a Cayuga, is mean and aggressive to the other two (1 Pekin and 1 Blue Swedish). She pecks them and grabs them at every opportunity....Even when they are sleeping. They have a large brooder in a bathtub with plenty of access to food and water. I need suggestions about what to do! I'm afraid she will kill the other two or cause injury at the least.
I did not think female ducklings were this aggressive. Someone told me to move her to a box and leave her separated for 15-30 minutes at a time, then put her back with the others and see if the behavior improved. I did this and she left them alone for a few minutes following but then she continued to hurt them!
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[21hens-incharge]

If they were not in the same space where you got them they are all strangers.

Pics please so we can confirm they are similar ages.

 

[asenicholson]

If they were not in the same space where you got them they are all strangers.

Pics please so we can confirm they are similar ages.

I'll work on the pics...But they came from a hatchery, were hatched the same day and they are the same size, then traveled to us via USPS. BTW...I will never do that again!

 

[asenicholson]

I'll work on the pics...But they came from a hatchery, were hatched the same day and they are the same size, then traveled to us via USPS. BTW...I will never do that again!

 

[asenicholson]

 

[21hens-incharge]

I don't think at that age they can do much/any harm to another the same age and size. Give them a few days to figure things out.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

In the duck world there is a pecking order and even at a young age that pecking order will start to become established... especially in a new environment. As long as your ducklings have plenty of food, water and space, at 4 days old there isn't much harm she is going to do.

 

[Sierra G]

Ducklings are pretty tough. They have to be. When drakes get irritated by them they'll pick them up and toss them to one side. They do this by picking them up by the wing. If they can put up with that from a parent I think they'll be okay with a little badgering from another duckling.