Ducks meeting????

[blayt90]

I have four khaki Campbell ducklings that are about 3 1/2 weeks old. As a test run I released one of my ducklings into the larger pen with my adult ducks. My males both tried to bite the duckling on the neck. I removed the duckling very quick. Would the males have killed the duckling and why?they have been in the pen with my adults but separated for a few days now.

 

[CarleeAnn]

The males were probably trying to mate the duckling and because they are so small, it would have been fatal. Keep the ducklings in a “howdy box” where they can become accustomed to each other without physical contact- like a wire dog crate, or just fence separating them. They probably shouldn’t be integrated until older though, I’m sure someone will be along soon with a better suggestion to appropriate meeting age.

 

[blayt90]

The males were probably trying to mate the duckling and because they are so small, it would have been fatal. Keep the ducklings in a “howdy box” where they can become accustomed to each other without physical contact- like a wire dog crate, or just fence separating them. They probably shouldn’t be integrated until older though, I’m sure someone will be along soon with a better suggestion to appropriate meeting age.

They are in the same large pen but separated by a temporary fence.

 

[CarleeAnn]

View attachment 1289773
They are in the same large pen but separated by a temporary fence.

I would just continue that for a little longer! Do they mingle at the fence?

 

[blayt90]

I would just continue that for a little longer! Do they mingle at the fence?

Some but not much. I have heard one of the males make a hissing type sound towards them.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Some but not much. I have heard one of the males make a hissing type sound towards them.

How many adult drakes and hens do you have?

 

[blayt90]

How many adult drakes and hens do you have?

2 of each that’s why I bought more to try and fix my ratio

 

[CarleeAnn]

2 of each that’s why I bought more to try and fix my ratio

Would it be possible to let the ducks get acquainted with the hens first and keep the drakes separated and then introduce them that way?

 

[blayt90]

Would it be possible to let the ducks get acquainted with the hens first and keep the drakes separated and then introduce them that way?

Might but it will have to wait till next week now anyway due to work schedule.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Drakes will kill ducklings, female may too if not their own. Keep them separated till the ducklings are as large as adults. Having them side by side gives them plenty of time to get use to each other and keep your young ones safe.