Drake lost his mate

[aeb1960]

We had two ducks, a male Rouen and a female Khaki Campbell. The female just got out and went into our big pond. She dove under but couldn't find her way back up under the ice. My little girl saw her dive under and feared the worst. She ran out immediately and tried to lure the duck back to the shore of the pond. The duck swam here and there, but never towards the opening. We tried hacking through the ice as far in as we could, but we were too late. It is heartbreaking. Now my little girl is worried about the drake. He is wandering around everywhere looking for his mate. Should we give him to a friend who has ducks, or will he be okay? Thanks.

 

[Amiga]

Ducks are social, and losing a duck friend is hard on them. They grieve. An unbreakable mirror, an enlarged photo of her, those can help a little. But another duck friend would be best.

Drakes can have a hard time becoming part of a new flock. It may work, or not.

 

[duckyday4]

My drake lost his mate less than a week ago. It was so heartbreaking for both me and the drake. I thought about giving him to a farm but, that's not that easy. I got him a new female friend just yesterday. He seemed really happy to see another duck. I kept them separated the first day - they could just see each other through fencing. Then I did supervised play the next day. He will most likely try to mate with her immediately because he has to prove he's the dominant one but, that's ok. I am happy I kept my drake -- I'm attached to him and getting him a new friend wasn't that hard. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope your daughter is doing ok. Good luck whatever you decide.