Baby duckling questions

[laskaice11]

Hi all, I need some advice please.
Two weeks ago today, I had 1, out of 6 duck eggs hatch, and have been successfully raising a single baby duckling (thank goodness I'm home all day!) I panicked and immediately bought a second (better) incubator, and will have 8 hatching on Valentine's Day. My question is, is should I let the new hatchlings imprint on me, her, or both, and how long should I wait before putting them in the same pen together? And once I do, will he/she depend on me as much to keep him/her occupied?
Stressed!
Thank you

 

[KathiQuacks]

It’s possible you could put the new hatchlings in with her right away. I had good success putting 1 day olds with a 2 week old. Hangout with everyone equally.

She shouldn’t depend on you so much, no. I think my single duckling was still upset without me for a little while? I can’t remember for how long, but she moved on and loved her new friends.

 

[laskaice11]

It’s possible you could put the new hatchlings in with her right away. I had good success putting 1 day olds with a 2 week old. Hangout with everyone equally.

She shouldn’t depend on you so much, no. I think my single duckling was still upset without me for a little while? I can’t remember for how long, but she moved on and loved her new friends.

Thank you! I will try it

 

[sourland]

I'd provide the duckling with a mirror for company until the other ducklings hatch and are mobile/large enough for integration.

 

[Yardmom]

It will depend on the personality of your older duckling, but once the new ducklings get past the fragile just hatched stage (maybe 3 days) they should be fine together in a large brooder.

 

[laskaice11]

I'd provide the duckling with a mirror for company until the other ducklings hatch and are mobile/large enough for integration.

Yes, it has a big mirror and a few stuffies in her own playpen.

 

[laskaice11]

It will depend on the personality of your older duckling, but once the new ducklings get past the fragile just hatched stage (maybe 3 days) they should be fine together in a large brooder.

Okay, thank you.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I would do a split brooder before just risking them together. You can make a divider with screening or wire mesh. Then, let them be together while you watch. That is how I integrated ducklings of mixed ages until they are ok together. This is my singleton seperated from his younger friend. They only stayed this way for 2-3 days then they were best buddies.

 

[Sondraa]

Hi all, I need some advice please.
Two weeks ago today, I had 1, out of 6 duck eggs hatch, and have been successfully raising a single baby duckling (thank goodness I'm home all day!) I panicked and immediately bought a second (better) incubator, and will have 8 hatching on Valentine's Day. My question is, is should I let the new hatchlings imprint on me, her, or both, and how long should I wait before putting them in the same pen together? And once I do, will he/she depend on me as much to keep him/her occupied?
Stressed!
Thank you

What kind of duck is it? It's a stout little thing. Super cute.

 

[laskaice11]

I would do a split brooder before just risking them together. You can make a divider with screening or wire mesh. Then, let them be together while you watch. That is how I integrated ducklings of mixed ages until they are ok together. This is my singleton seperated from his younger friend. They only stayed this way for 2-3 days then they were best buddies.
View attachment 4048879

Thank you, I love that!