DUCK INTRODUCTIONS - HELP

[peepnpato]

Hi there! We have 1 female and 1 male muscovy duck and this weekend we decided to get another to help with the ratio a bit however, they are being quite mean to her. We put her in to see how they would react and they kept biting her neck and feathers. I read that this may be normal but I have them separated for now with a fencing so they can still see eachother. About how long should I keep them like this and will it get better! Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[FortCluck]

@Miss Lydia

 

[PirateGirl]

Keep them like that until they seem to totally ignore each other through the fence. Then you can start short supervised time together and leave them together longer and longer provided it goes well. Eventually they should be able to be together all the time. Also make sure when together there are at least two food/water stations so they can't bully her away from eating/drinking. Also make sure they are full grown or close in size to each other when they go together so that even if they bully her she shouldn't be seriously injured. I've had bad integrations take up to two months, I've had good ones in less than 48 hours. Every time is different.

 

[PirateGirl]

When I say ignore through the fence, the bad behavior I've seen is banging on the fence, trying to stick beaks through the fence to grab each other, making noise at each other, pacing the fence line, etc. When all this stops and they just do their own things it's a good sign.

 

[peepnpato]

Keep them like that until they seem to totally ignore each other through the fence. Then you can start short supervised time together and leave them together longer and longer provided it goes well. Eventually they should be able to be together all the time. Also make sure when together there are at least two food/water stations so they can't bully her away from eating/drinking. Also make sure they are full grown or close in size to each other when they go together so that even if they bully her she shouldn't be seriously injured. I've had bad integrations take up to two months, I've had good ones in less than 48 hours. Every time is different.

Thank you for your help! I will keep them like this until I start to see these changes. They are the same age which is good because they are the same size. Only thing is that it is 2 against one and she gets bullied by both at the same time :/ however, she is safe and separated now so I will monitor the next few days and keep you posted!

 

[PirateGirl]

Thank you for your help! I will keep them like this until I start to see these changes. They are the same age which is good because they are the same size. Only thing is that it is 2 against one and she gets bullied by both at the same time :/ however, she is safe and separated now so I will monitor the next few days and keep you posted!

Oh, the other thing you can try is to introduce the new duck to just ONE of the other ducks (whichever you think might be nicer). Once those two are getting along then try adding the third back into the mix. The dynamics might change.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Yes, I agree..also..do they have a run or free range? When I introduce new ducks.. I try to take them to neutral territory...that way everyone feels the same..unsure...watch them...but then at night..keep them in separate cages but side by side until they decide to walk together..like do you call them into the pen at night with food? I yell ducks and shake food. When the new ducks are ready to integrate they will freely walk in and the others will let them eat the food too. I have integrated many many ducks...I have 43. And getting 7 more tomorrow...but I have the room..ducks are my thing..

 

[peepnpato]

Forgot to update this but about 2 days later the fence we used to separate them fell down and they all suddenly got along!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Beautiful Muscovy!