duckling bonding

[duckymomo]

about a year ago i got a mallard ducking (female 'tyler'). she started laying 2-3 months ago and today my grandmother brought me 2 new ducklings (blue swede 'michael & scooter'). I was a bit concerned at first about this surprise adoption, but i thought maybe it would work out. When i first put them together, of course these was some curiousity, but they took right to eachother which was surprising. I seperated them for an hour or so to get some things done. then i brought them inside for a bath, all of them, tyler was irritating them a bit poking at them with her beak. the same way she has to every other animal she likes/gets along with. but since they are so little, and follow her continuously, I'm worried she might hurt them. Is there anything i can do to try and stop this beavior other than pop her with a fly swatter? I'd love to see them get along and play together, but not at the risk of her hurting either of them.

 

[Kevin565]

I don't see any reason to allow adult ducks and ducklings meet each other at this age. It will be much safer for the babies to meet her in a few weeks.

 

[jdywntr]

I agree with Kevin. An adult duck can accidentally or purposefully kill young ducklings. It is much safer to wait until the babies are similar sized to the adult before allowing them together. They can be seperated but within eyesight to help things along but many people have suffered losses when young ducklings are put with adults.