Ducklings integration surprise 🤣

[Jlw0903]

Another small step - ducks allowed to swim while the ducklings nap right next to the pond. They usually chase the adults off.

Yay! Looking good!!!

 

[DuckQs]

I've integrated ducklings 4 times now, and also a rescue duck into my flock, and it's the same everytime. You're on your way and you will get there and in a month or two you'll probably have total peace and this will be a distant memory. Keeping them together in large spaces is key, while supervising, then just shrinking the space, with two food and water stations set up so everyone can have access comfortably.

Hi. Is shrinking the space important? I let mine free range on about a 1/2 acre yard, but the pools/food are in one location.

 

[Jlw0903]

Hi. Is shrinking the space important? I let mine free range on about a 1/2 acre yard, but the pools/food are in one location.

I'd be interested to see what @CoriM says about this but based on the experiences I'm having currently I'd think so. If given the option, my two groups would just stay away from each other (which is what they do since I have several acres) and although I'm sure over time they might accept each other but it would take a lot longer.

 

[CoriM]

The main reason I was mentioning shrinking the space is that my girls have to live together in a run and sleep in the same enclosed 8x10 area each night. So for me I first let them be out free-ranging near me where I could intervene, then had them in their tractor and run with fences, then eventually had them all together in the run or tractor. If that makes sense! It did help them become a cohesive group for the most part, though sometimes my 5 babies from last year all stick together. But if you have plenty of space and you don't really need them to live in close quarters it might be fine not to "shrink the space".

 

[FNF]

The main reason I was mentioning shrinking the space is that my girls have to live together in a run and sleep in the same enclosed 8x10 area each night. So for me I first let them be out free-ranging near me where I could intervene, then had them in their tractor and run with fences, then eventually had them all together in the run or tractor. If that makes sense! It did help them become a cohesive group for the most part, though sometimes my 5 babies from last year all stick together. But if you have plenty of space and you don't really need them to live in close quarters it might be fine not to "shrink the space".

How long would you say this took? Mine all free range during the day and have for a while now, though we started with the small enclosure within the area to keep them from touching for several weeks. While I'm finding small indications that perhaps they're getting more comfortable, they are still very much two groups. They have to sleep together at night in their small house and I'm still using a divider that allows them to see each other but keeps them on separate sides. It's a small space and I want to stop using the divider but not sure when it's safe to do so.

 

[Jlw0903]

Update: the ducklings have been in a separate part of the pen since the weekend and we allow all them them to free range for some time in the evening. Although they still avoid each other the ducklings seem MUCH less likely to chase the older ones and the older ones are seeming to allow them a bit closer to them before running away.... Or before Darla chases them and then everyone gets upset because the ducklings scatter and sometimes it's towards the older ones who panic so everyone is all dispersed and mixed up and no one is happy.
Today I'd say they got within 6-10 ft of each other for about a minute or two before Darla went at them. She has such a terrible attitude...

But either way it was the closest they have been together without issues so seems to be slow but steady progress!

 

[Jlw0903]

Everyone besides Darla seems to be getting more used to each other. They still keep distance from each other but tolerate closer proximity. I honestly think the ducklings want to integrate with the older ones but the older ones are still scared. And of course Darla is having none of it. Tonight they will all be in the hut together (with fencing between them of course) I have a camera in the hut so I will be able to watch and see what happens

 

[FNF]

Everyone besides Darla seems to be getting more used to each other. They still keep distance from each other but tolerate closer proximity. I honestly think the ducklings want to integrate with the older ones but the older ones are still scared. And of course Darla is having none of it. Tonight they will all be in the hut together (with fencing between them of course) I have a camera in the hut so I will be able to watch and see what happens

Exact same place with my attempts! Still using the divider in the house. I do think they get in closer proximity to each other outside and like yours, sometimes it looks like the younger ones want to be with or near the older ladies but they flee! I'm trying to keep them confined to their run for a few minutes morning and evening with plenty of free ranging in between before closing them in with the divider in the house at night. Slow but hopefully steady progress.

 

[FNF]

a small miracle - napping within inches of each other

 

[CoriM]

I think you're there!