Chicks picking on Ducklings!!!

[sparkles2307]

We got 3 free ducklings with our Cackle order, and the chicks follow the ducks around pecking at them incessantly...the poor things cant even sleep! We removed the ducks last night as it isnt fair for them to fend off 106 chicks. Put them in a large cooler next to the brooder with a feeder, waterer, "pond" and their own heat lamp. Will it be ok to put them back with the chicks when they get a bit bigger or is it normal for the chicks to bully the ducks? DH said he was going to "flick" one of the bullys in the head (of course a flick could kill a chick) so I had to get them out quick! Does anyone else have this problem?

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I have 3 khaki campbells in with our 25chickens ( all 2weeks old)and they love the ducks! The ducks must have alot more body warmth because they are always surrounded by the chickens wanting to sleep by them! Soo I don't have the same issues but I think you did right by seperating them, they will grow larger than the chickens faster and then you could try to put them back in and see how they do.

 

[sparkles2307]

OK good thats what I thought oo, give it a week and the ducks should be towering over the chicks right!? lol poor babies

 

[W.CharltonChickens]

I have the opposite problem. My ducklings chase the chicks and try to grab their tail feathers. So, yeah... now everyone has their own space in the run. Silly featherbutts

 

[sparkles2307]

LOL you know, I have measured and watched and there is MORE than enough room in the brooder (for now) but it still seems that in spite of all the toys, every few minutes someone is getting dragged across the floor by their toes..."but mom, it really looked like a worm!"