Duckling age? Size question.

[kattington]

I just picked up 3 ducklings from someone that was looking for homes for them. He said they were a month old, 2 pekins and a runner. When we got there, he told us that another runner duckling died a few days before because the pekins trampled it. He also said that he got the runners after the pekins, because the original runner they had died almost right after they got it. Any idea how old this little one is? I think the pekins really are about a month, but the runner looks much younger! They have a lot more room now than they did at their previous home, but the pekins really do knock her around. Should I separate them and try to find a friend closer to the little one's size?

 

[needlessjunk]

She look about a week or so and I would not keep them together. That is a big size difference and I would worry about her being trampled and killed. However she will be lonely by herself. You are in a hard situation. Maybe fence off an area for her so they can all see each other but not touch. Plastic poultry fencing works well and is pretty cheap.

 

[Orca5094]

I agree, that little one looks to be between 1 and 2 weeks old and should be separated from those monster-sized Pekins. If you can find her a friend of similar size, please do! She will appreciate it. In the meantime, I would put up a barrier to protect her like needlessjunk suggested. Just make sure they can still all see each other so she doesn't feel alone.

 

[kattington]

Thanks so much! I was pretty sure it wasn't as old as he was telling me. I will pick her up a little friend today!

 

[kattington]

She seems happier now.

 

[needlessjunk]

She seems happier now.

Cuties!

 

[Kaessa]

She seems happier now.

Yay! She has a little buddy her own size now.

 

[Orca5094]

That's awesome, great job getting her a suitable friend so fast!