Cayuga duckling 'biting' other ducklings? Help needed!

[tubateacher]

Hi all,

I have 4 Cayuga ducklings approx 30 days old. I let them out of the brooder (in our lounge!) to have a run around and noticed that one duckling is nibbling/biting at the others....constantly. If they sit down together it will nibble at all 3 until they get up and move out of bills reach but once they are out of reach it will get straight up and move into biting range again.

It must be causing the other ducklings some distress as one had a little squeal.

Is this some form of pecking order, is it normal?

I have kept chickens for 3 years now but never had ducks.

Thanks for any advice / help in advance.

 

[TracyLovesDucks]

Uh oh, naughty little duckling. Did you tell him that if he keeps it up, he will have no friends?

I think this is pretty normal

All of my ducklings at one point would nip at each other... in fact the assailants would nip at others' oil glands and the victims would shriek. As long as he isn't seriously injuring them (pulling out their feathers, picking hard at their eyes, etc.) I bet it'll be fine.

Some considerations though-- what kind of light is in their brooder and do you leave it on all night? People say that white light makes them irritable and nippy. Also, do they ever get treats like lettuce/kale/greens or any bugs... or is it just chick/duck feed? Maybe a treat will distract him from his unpleasant habit and he'll forget about it.

 

[tubateacher]

Thanks for reply, it is a infra red bulb that we use. It is constantly doing it and when they are all settled down and he/she finally stops, there are 3 huddled together and then the naughty one sat on its own!

They have just started growers but I have not tried giving any treats, what can I give them at this age?

Also what is the best thing if it carries on and does injure one? Best to remove it?

Thanks again for your help

 

[subhanalah]

I've read that blue lights are better for ducks than red lights for this reason. They sell blue lights for reptiles in most pet stores.

 

[TracyLovesDucks]

Red lights also seem to be a good option. Turns out they sell infrared lights that still white. I had to get an infrared bulb that was coated in red glass to get the red effect I was looking for.

 

[tubateacher]

Yes, our bulb is red glass. Would it be better to turn it off for a bit?! The house is warm and obviously I would keep an eye on the temperature.

Is there any way of stopping it attacking, apart from separation?

 

[tubateacher]

Morning all,

Have come down this morning to find that the placid ducklings are still being attacked. 2 of them have blood by their wings where the aggressive duckling has pulled feathers out (they have only just started to feather out). I have separated the duckling with the attitude but what now!!??

Any suggestions?

Stressed!

 

[TracyLovesDucks]

Oh man! Do you have them separated, but still able to see one another (like separated by a cage or mesh fencing)?
I wonder what is going on with him. Hopefully someone on here has some good ideas for you!

 

[tubateacher]

Yes, have them separated by a rose trellis!! They can see each other but can't get at each other.
Don't know what it is but as soon as I put them together it starts biting the others