ducklings attacking new duckling?

[noodledog]

does anyone have experience with integrating ducklings of different ages?

I got 4 call ducklings a week ago, sadly one of them passed away and the hatchery I got them from offered to replace her.

I picked up the new one today and was hoping they wouldn't have any problems getting along but two of the others will attack her (bite at her eyes, jump onto her, grab onto her and won't let go, etc.) if she is with them. she is not currently with them, i was very worried they would hurt or possibly kill her, as the older ones are much bigger. one of the week olds mostly ignores the new one and hasn't tried to attack her.

they live in a small tent currently, I could possibly divide it with some hardware cloth and see if that would get them used to each other. the only problem is that I'm using a heating plate and not a heat lamp so the new one wouldn't be warm.

any ideas on what i could do here? I don't want her to be alone as I know they don't do well by themselves, but the hatchery is sold out of ducklings for this year and I can't get another one.

 

[Bert96746]

I hatched 2 ducks 5 days apart, bought 2 to keep the first one company and waited for the second to hatch. When the second one finally arrived, I put a divider in the brooder because the 5 day size difference was incredible. I kept that up for a day then took it out and the older ducks instantly loved the "baby". there was some trampling but they all get along.