"Breaking the Ice" with new ducks?

[Weep-weep Ducks]

I realize this has been asked a couple of different ways, but I'd like to hear more on the subject. I have two year-old Khaki Campbell hens, Screamer and Indiana. They've had their own thing going since their sister Sarah died, but I felt maybe they could use some more company, including a male to pal around and get 'friendly' with. So a month ago I got two Welsh Harlequins from Metzer Farms, one male we named Tenchi and one female my fiance' named Yotsuba.

Beautiful babies, full of spunk. I'm afraid I might have spoiled them a bit, they got to where they'd raise a hue and cry when I wasn't around...! Now they're a month old, sprouting lovely feathers on their bellies, tails and shoulders. They're adjusting to being outside, but they will just 'bow up' and chase after Screamer and Indie whenever they come close. Screamer and Indiana are genuinely curious, and will timidly try to approach, making those soft clucking noises duck hens make they get curious...but then Tenchi and Yotsuba go on the offensive and chase them away! And they're a third the size!

I feel bad for my older birds, they were here first and I was the one that got two newcomers to their yard... I guess as Tenchi gets old enough to feel the 'mating urge', he might be more interested in the Khakis? Or will he prefer Yotsuba (the two are very close, Tenchi raises cain whenever I pick up Yotsuba)? As I type this, I put all four of them in the kennel so they can hopefully sort things out amongst themselves... It's midday here, (which is usually ducky nap time, I've noticed), but I figured I would get them started during the day so night time won't be a total surprise. Am I doing the best thing, or should I switch tactics?

I know males get feisty in the springtime once they're grown. My brother got a fat lip when he picked up a mallard drake who was defending his hen...! But this is different because I've got one juvenile drake and three hens. The adults are the docile ones, instead of the other way around. Please share more stories and input so I can get a better idea of what to do next.

Many duckie thanks,

Sharon

 

[Miss Lydia]

I realize this has been asked a couple of different ways, but I'd like to hear more on the subject. I have two year-old Khaki Campbell hens, Screamer and Indiana. They've had their own thing going since their sister Sarah died, but I felt maybe they could use some more company, including a male to pal around and get 'friendly' with. So a month ago I got two Welsh Harlequins from Metzer Farms, one male we named Tenchi and one female my fiance' named Yotsuba. 

Beautiful babies, full of spunk. I'm afraid I might have spoiled them a bit, they got to where they'd raise a hue and cry when I wasn't around...! Now they're a month old, sprouting lovely feathers on their bellies, tails and shoulders. They're adjusting to being outside, but they will just 'bow up' and chase after Screamer and Indie whenever they come close. Screamer and Indiana are genuinely curious, and will timidly try to approach, making those soft clucking noises duck hens make they get curious...but then Tenchi and Yotsuba go on the offensive and chase them away! And they're a third the size!

I feel bad for my older birds, they were here first and I was the one that got two newcomers to their yard... I guess as Tenchi gets old enough to feel the 'mating urge', he might be more interested in the Khakis? Or will he prefer Yotsuba (the two are very close, Tenchi raises cain whenever I pick up Yotsuba)? As I type this, I put all four of them in the kennel so they can hopefully sort things out amongst themselves... It's midday here, (which is usually ducky nap time, I've noticed), but I figured I would get them started during the day so night time won't be a total surprise. Am I doing the best thing, or should I switch tactics?

I know males get feisty in the springtime once they're grown. My brother got a fat lip when he picked up a mallard drake who was defending his hen...! But this is different because I've got one juvenile drake and three hens. The adults are the docile ones, instead of the other way around. Please share more stories and input so I can get a better idea of what to do next. 

Many duckie thanks,

Sharon

when introducing ducklings to adult ducks it always best to start off slow, putting them into separate parts of pen with some kind of chicken wire or plastci chicken wire or other kind of fencing where they can see each other but can't have any confrontation. after they have been living side by side for about a week then try putting them together. and giving treats to all when intergrating helps to keep attention on food instead of each other. I'm sure they will sort things out it just takes time. and lots of patience from duck moms[the human one] And

 

[Weep-weep Ducks]

Okay. You've echoed what my better half said, just give it some time. But the separation and using treats are good ideas that I will have to try. Screamer and Indiana love diced cucumber, I'll have to see if that will give them and their new yardmates some common ground...!

What seems to be working at the moment is I've let the two little ones stay in the kennel during the day, and the big girls can roam the yard at large. I moved their food to the patio where they like to hang out in the afternoon, and that seems to go nicely. They're still laying despite having two rowdy 'pre-teens' in the pen with them overnight, but I may need to just keep their food bowls at opposite ends of the pen. Besides, those voracious little Harlequins tipped over their starter feed and devoured the big girls' Mazuri/laying feed mix overnight! The little monsters!

Thanks for the input, and for the welcome!

 

[Rosie42892]

Welcome! You have already gotten some great advice, but I just wanted to give my support! It can be nerve wracking when things don't go well, but you just have to be patient. Give them time for them to get used to each other. Good luck! We would love to see pictures!

 

[Weep-weep Ducks]

Thanks for the welcome! It's been touch-and-go so far. The two groups can roost overnight in the pen without too much trouble, but they're still aloof and the Harlequins try to chase off the Khakis.

I'll try to post some pictures soon, can't quite figure it out on this smartphone...

 

[DuckyGurl]

Welcome!
I would do as Miss Lydia says, that's what I always do and it seems to work best. They will figure it out soon enough. Congrats! I LOVE welsh harlequins, such cuties!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have all Muscovys and they have formed clans, for the most part other than the drakes going at each other they live pretty peaceful, but sometimes the ducks will have a screaming match and chasing fit at one of the other clans ducks. It's actually funny to watch, lots of screaming and chasing and sometimes one of the girls will hold down another, then it's over and back to playing in the pool or mud. Lifes never boring when you live with ducks

[they don't actually live in my house] just wanted to clarify that.