Balancing our flock

[Fort Quackalot]

We had an initial flock with six ducks and gave away two to a friend, but one of the friend's got carried off by a predator. His remaining duck is in the company of chickens, but lonely nonetheless, so we're trying to decide whether to re-adopt her or to give them one of ours.

We have two male Welsh Harlequins and two female Khaki Campbells, and the friend's duck is a female Welsh. They are almost 4 months old. One of our males has just started picking on the other ducks a bit, so we were wondering wondering whether to give him to the friend to keep the female company without having to establish dominance or whether to take the lady back in. The friend's 2nd grade son is also very attached to her by now (he named it after his mom! glad she survived...). Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[veronicasmom]

If she only has one other duck, I would not give her the more dominant one. I would give her the other one. You have two girls so I think the more dominant one is better with two other ducks. At least that way if he is mating a lot, then he will not over mate a lone duck. That is normal behavior for a drake and it does subside eventually, at least it does here. My guy is very "busy" in spring and early summer, then lets up a bit later on. I do think it would be very nice of you to give her a new friend for her duck. It is sad that she is lonely and really so much better for her to have company. And if the little boy is attached, I would think it a shame to take her away.
JMO.

 

[Fort Quackalot]

Thanks for your advice! It makes sense, although it'll sure be hard to give up one of our boys... especially the sweeter one. Hopefully he'll be happy to reunite with his ducklinghood friend!

 

[veronicasmom]

It's hard to do the right thing sometimes. But that is a sign of a truly good pet owner. Doing something that is hard but better for your animals.
Good luck and let us know what happens. I am sure everyone will be better off this way. Maybe it won't feel like it for a while, but eventually, it will.