Ducklings

[dnapierala]

I purchased some Khaki Campbell ducklings 2 weeks ago and have been awaiting the arrival of my Indian Runners as well. The Indian Runners just came in and they're about 1/2 the size of the others. Can I put them together or will the size difference be a problem since they're so young?

 

[Going Quackers]

hmm tricky. My first advice would be to watch carefully, they don't bully the little ones.. last year i mixed some basically 2wks buffs in with some younger scovies that i had prematurely hatch, it worked out and the size difference was there...



but again i have to add the classic caution of being mindful... since it doesn't always work out, i also believe if i recall right, Khaki are bigger than runners in general? nope, according to Storey's guide they are both in the "lightweight" category. My buffs are considered midweight and the Muscovy heavy.

 

[dnapierala]

Thank you, Going Quackers! (really like the name, by the way) It's my understanding that the Khakies (sp?) are larger anyway but I like to take real good care of my flock. I've been raising chickens and have had a great deal of success so I thought I'd try ducks since I've wanted them since I was a kid.

I guess what I can do is try to integrate the new ducklings with the others and see how things go while sitting there watching. If it gets a little too chaotic I can always separate them again.

Once again this site comes through with an answer!

Thanks again!

By the way, at what age do you let yours swim? I'm a bit over-protective (so I've been told) and have seen many opinions on the topic.

 

[Going Quackers]

Thank you, i actually did it backwards, since most start in chickens but i began with waterfowl, still mainly ducks.. chickens are increasing lol

Um, yep.. watch and observe be prepared to intervene and go from there.

Swimming, yeah.. you have to watch for chill, they just aren't waterproofed like they are with a mama BUT that said swimming is good exercise and stimulus. I do i guess in about a week? week and half ish.. i have some 1.5wks+ pekin who have gone tubby time already, we dry super well.. and ensure they have a nice warm lamp to go back under.. also not to long.. and i NEVER leave them alone, they can drown! much to what maybe thought otherwise.

Your right though, many have differing opinions.. that is just how i have done things here.. i have Muscovy, Buffs, call and finally Pekin for ducks.

 

[dnapierala]

Thank you once again! I really appreciate the information and your time! Have a great day!

 

[Going Quackers]

Not a problem, glad i could help! best of luck with the duckies.