Ducklings with the older ducks

[Jackanddianesmom]

Hi, the weather is warming up around here finally (north jersey) and we have the 2 adult pekins outside now, we have our 3 littles inside still no heat lamp about 67 degrees. I've never introduced new ducks to the older ones and was wondering about when, and how to go about introducing them? The littles were hatched on April 4th, so they are about 5 weeks old now.
Side note: we got the littles so our drake had more than 1 lady (he tends to grab onto the eye feathers, so pretty aggressive, but other than that he is sweet) I just don't want to put the little in with him and he be too aggressive.

 

[viennaproto]

Hello there! I have done this many times around the 6-7 week mark. Ducks are much less territorial than chickens, and in my opinion, much friendlier to younger ducks. Can you post a picture of the littles? The only problem I would worry about is the, not getting food and being trampled, or hurt by the older ducks, etc.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi, the weather is warming up around here finally (north jersey) and we have the 2 adult pekins outside now, we have our 3 littles inside still no heat lamp about 67 degrees. I've never introduced new ducks to the older ones and was wondering about when, and how to go about introducing them? The littles were hatched on April 4th, so they are about 5 weeks old now.
Side note: we got the littles so our drake had more than 1 lady (he tends to grab onto the eye feathers, so pretty aggressive, but other than that he is sweet) I just don't want to put the little in with him and he be too aggressive.

No-Touch, BUT-See Method. Set the ducklings in a pen near the adult ducks so they can see each other, but can't touch, after a week or two, you can let the ducklings out with the older ducks for short periods each day just make sure they are supervised the entire time to ensure they don't get injured. If your drake is acting aggressively towards the ducklings, separate him when you are letting them interact. After a few weeks of doing this, they MAY be able to put with each other, I would separate at night for a while because that's when most fighting tends to occur.

Make sure to provide multiple feed/water stations for the ducklings so they can eat as needed. One of the root causes of fighting is boredom, so providing plenty of space, and activities for them to do will reduce fighting drastically.

 

[Jackanddianesmom]

They just tipped over their entire water bowl so its messy lol but this is them before their bath, I was planning on having them crated next to each other for a few days / a week..but I didn't know for weeks. With the temps around 50s 60s and moving towards 70s they are OK to be outside? (For the day)

 

[viennaproto]

Yes they will love to be outdoors!! Even when it rains, my ducks cal very loud to go outside their coop. They love the mud, foraging, and the grass. I would set them up a kiddie pool and let them have fun!!

 

[FathertoFeathers]

I'd be sure to watch them especially if you have a drake. My drake tries to mate with he ducklings constantly. Thankfully he's to fat to really get them but he sure does try!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Very important for the safety of young ducklings that they not be with hormonal drakes until laying age. Even young drakes shouldn’t be with hormonal drakes.