Duck passed away, need advice on new companion

[KingSky]

Hey all,

My name is Kevin, I've been lurking on the site sice I got chickens and ducks about 2 months ago and it's been an invaluable resource, but this is my first posting.

I originally went to get 5 chickens for a backyard coop, but ended up getting 2 ducks as well. One is a white Indian runner and the other was... Brown. I'm not sure what breed it was :/

Anyway, several days ago the brown one, Ella, started acting lethargic and not quacking. I did a LOT of research on here and tried everything I could find... From occasional yogurt to Epsom salt baths, vitamin supps to checking vent, crop, massaging crop and belly, etc. she didn't seem any worse yesterday, but this morning I was very sad to find she had passed during the night.

As you can imagine I'm very sad about it, she was a really nice duck! I know some of you will say why didn't you take her to the vet, but I checked around. We are in a small town and I couldn't find anyone who helps birds, just dogs and cats (and a couple horses).

Anyway, this just happened today and I know that ducks really need a companion to enjoy life, and I need some advice on that.

Our local feed store doesn't have any more birds at this date, but I did find some baby ducks on Craigslist. It doesn't say what kind they are but that doesn't really matter. My questions are this... If I get a baby duckling, obviously ill need to keep it away from the chickens until it is larger. What about the other duck? Will they bond if I keep a 2 month old and a baby together, or will the 2 month old harm it?

Also if I need to keep the baby separate til its larger, wont it get lonely?

Aargh so many questions, any advice about the best arrangement at this point is GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you!!

 

[CordleFarm]

So sorry about your duck

. I am actually new to ducks myself, so I don't have any experienced advice for you. There are some very knowledgeable and experienced duck owners on here though, so good luck in finding your answers.

 

[kaybats]

I don't have a lot of experience but I can tell you whatthe hatchery told me when I got two ducklings this spring. They advised to keep the youngsters sdesperate from the older ducks until they were big enough and then incorporate them sort of like you would when adding chickens to your flock.

I used a large dog crate...put it in the pen so they could get familiar with each other yet be safe from any, if any, aggression.

And in my own humble opinion, evey time I bought any new babies I have always gotten them in at least pairs (chickens...5 or 6.... or 10! so every one would always have a buddy or buddies their own age.

That's why I am hoping at least one more will hatch out to keep my new hatchling company. If not , I will most likely make the trek to the hatchery for a baby or two...good excuse to go isn't it?!

Anyway, good luck have fun with your birds and welcome to BYC! Lots of really smart people here!

 

[kaybats]

Omgoodness! So so sorry about your loss!

 

[Carcajou]

Sorry for your loss.

Like kaybats says you will need to keep different aged ducks separate until they get to know each other. Older ducks will attack younger ones. If you can find another duck the same age they will bond quicker.

You can keep them where they can see each other or even on opposite sides of a common fence. Just make sure all are full grown before putting them together.

Here is a photo of my drake interacting with my half-grown newbies last spring:

 

[KingSky]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback.

I feel bad looking for another duck (or 2) so quickly but I don't want the other one (no name yet) to get lonely.

I thought I had found some online on Craigslist unfortunately they are over 2 hours away. I did check our local supply store to be sure but as I thought they aren't carrying fowl anymore. Guess for now I'll keep looking.

Keeping them together but separated by something seems like a really good idea, I do have 2 medium sized dog kennels that should work well for that!

 

[veronicasmom]

I believe if you check around on this site, there is a section that you can post a "wanted" ad. I am sure someone here will be able to direct you to it. Somebody might have just the duck you are looking for.

I am truly sorry for your loss.

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16182/animals-in-need-of-free-re-homing https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/34/other-poultry-birds-hatching-eggs