Duck needs a friend..adult or duckling?

[HMR83]

Hello. I have a drake Rouen who needs a friend. He is close to 3 years old. Would it be better to get an adult duck or to get a duckling, raise it and introduce it? Thank you! Also I only plan on getting 1 duck

 

[johntfs]

Probably an adult - and probably a drake at that unless you're willing to get multiple females (three or more). Adult ducks have a tendency to bully or kill strange ducklings. Meanwhile, a single female can be overbred and killed by a horny male.

Raising and introducing a male duckling would work, but it would take time and the duckling would also effectively be alone and probably imprint on you, making the introduction a bit problematic.

It'd likely be less work and faster to just get another drake. There's a strong likelihood that you could get one cheap or even free from folks who have a surplus of them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@thumper650 is a good one to advise here he has multiple drakes.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello. I have a drake Rouen who needs a friend. He is close to 3 years old. Would it be better to get an adult duck or to get a duckling, raise it and introduce it? Thank you! Also I only plan on getting 1 duck

I agree, another male might be your best bet. Of course, sometimes things don't go as we planned so always have a backup plan.

 

[HMR83]

I agree, another male might be your best bet. Of course, sometimes things don't go as we planned so always have a backup plan.

Yeah my concern with the 2 males is not getting along and then having to get rid of one....I'm going to be taking a gamble either way..I need to just go for it!

 

[thumper650]

Yeah, 2 males may fight. Mine did! Maybe you could order 2 female ducklings and introduce them once they start laying eggs.

 

[FathertoFeathers]

I would absolutely get a grown one. Either multiple females or another male. I got 5 new ducklings and my pekin drake constantly chases them around and tries to rape them. Thankfully he's to chubby to really run fast.

 

[Isaac 0]

I would absolutely get a grown one. Either multiple females or another male. I got 5 new ducklings and my pekin drake constantly chases them around and tries to rape them. Thankfully he's to chubby to really run fast.

I would recommend putting those ducklings or your drake in a secure pen, all it takes is that big drake to corner them and they are toast.

 

[FathertoFeathers]

I would recommend putting those ducklings or your drake in a secure pen, all it takes is that big drake to corner them and they are toast.

Yeah I've had to put him in ducky jail. ( A spare coop I have)