Brooding age difference--urgent--thank you!

[FenDruadin]

Someone just contacted me about a lone duckling she has that is a week old. She had two, but the other died and now she wants/needs a buddy for it. I happen to have a duckling that I hatched out two weeks ago that I could sell her but... is that too large an age difference?

The one I have is also accustomed to running in a large brood--16 ducklings--would it be a great shock to it to have a new home & only one (new) friend?

I don't have any especial reason for keeping the duckling--it was part of a test batch that happened to hatch around the same time as my Holderread ducks arrived, and I've only kept it because I didn't want to sell a lone duckling, and I also didn't want to sell any of my Holderread birds.

I want to give the lady an answer tonight so she can come this weekend--any thoughts? The ducklings are one week of age, and two weeks of age. I don't know the breed of hers, but mine is a Runner, so not a large bird.

Thank you!!

 

[duckyfromoz]

My thoughts... One week isnt too big a gap..and if it means her loner will have company maybe it is a good thing for her duckling- . It may be a little shock for your duck to only have one for company- but one is certainly better than none at all.

 

[FenDruadin]

Thank you! I think I'm going to let her buy it... it's so hard to part with them!!! lol

 

[duckyfromoz]

I Know

it is hard...

I had some people ask about ducklings at an auction a few weeks ago.. I told them I had some more due ( which hatched last weekend) They have just been to collect some...They wanted 2 pekins now- and 2 Runners in a few weeks when they hatch... But took three today...

One of the ones they chose was my little favorite who hatched late as it pipped the wrong end of the egg and hatched 2 days after the others..

At least I know these guys went to a lovely family with two young boys who will be spoiling the ducklings with love.

 

[FenDruadin]

Thank you! I keep composing an email to her saying "yes," you can buy my duckling. And then giving up and deleting it. I think I'm going to have to sleep on it. I'm worried too because there are some inconsistencies in what she's saying that may just be her not being very clear, but might be that she's running some sort of scam (but what kind of scam would ask for just one duckling?). I just need to sleep on it, obviously.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and support!

 

[duckyfromoz]

A scam for one duckling does sound odd...And sleeping on it may be helpful..Did she tell you why the other duckling died??? Maybe improper care or diet was the case- If so- it would be wise to find out a little more about the situation before agreeing to the sale.

 

[Morri]

Yes, it would be hard for you to sell it, if i were you i would say to her that you could drop it off, then you could see her setup and if she doesnt take proper care then you could just say no.... maybe you could convince her to give her duckling to you to raise with the others than when they are bigger give hers and your runner back to her???? I no how you feel i just sold my remaining budgies and even though im not close to them i wanted to drop the off so i can check out thir new home....... well Goodluck!!!

 

[FenDruadin]

Thank you guys so much for the help! I checked with the lady a bit and decided I felt comfortable enough to let her have the baby. She came and picked it up today, and was very nice and gentle and seemed to understand what she was doing. The ducklings was upset, but not overly so. I'm pretty happy with the transaction, and she actually gave me slightly more money than I had asked for, which is unusual. She was so grateful, and I'm glad her baby has a companion now.

So I think it was the right thing. Thanks for the support and help!

 

[duckyfromoz]

Offering you more money?? Gee thats unusual- But I guess it is an indication that she is a good person and will do her best caring for the two ducklings. Im glad you felt more comfortable with the idea in the end.

I know I have had phone calls for people wanting ducklings when wanting to establish a flock for raising meat birds. I always tell them I dont have anything available.. But if they give me their number I can call them when I do... I Do always call back and tell tham I still have nothing and they should look elsewhere. No way I could let my babies go to some where I knew for sure what their fate would be.