First time owner tips please!

[miloduckling]

My agriculture teacher bought duckling eggs of all assorted breeds. When they hatched we were able to take one home. I've had what looks to be a mallard duckling since the 27th of May. The first few days he did have anxiety when alone, but now he can spend nights alone and quiet. At night and when we're not home he stays in our dogs old kennel. He has adjusted very well and our family dog takes a liking to him (and not as a snack kind of way). But when he does get bigger the plan is to move outside full time and hopefully get paired with chicks/hens. What's the smartest way to get them paired with chicks and staying outside full time?

 

[Miss Lydia]

My agriculture teacher bought duckling eggs of all assorted breeds. When they hatched we were able to take one home. I've had what looks to be a mallard duckling since the 27th of May. The first few days he did have anxiety when alone, but now he can spend nights alone and quiet. At night and when we're not home he stays in our dogs old kennel. He has adjusted very well and our family dog takes a liking to him (and not as a snack kind of way). But when he does get bigger the plan is to move outside full time and hopefully get paired with chicks/hens. What's the smartest way to get them paired with chicks and staying outside full time?

Can you give your ducklings a non breakable mirror and a stuffed animal to cuddle. Now for getting chicken and duck use to each other, for now because duckling is so young on nice warm days take it out for a little field trip just meandering around where the chickens hang out let them all see the duckling and vise versa. no one can peck the duckling though just is just meet and greet. Most likely the little one will be right under your feet so probably won't have to worry about anyone pecking it just worry about you not stepping on it. Just keep doing this daily until duckling is completely feathered in and large enough to handle chickens. My self I would be hesitant to put a young duckling in with chickens, chickens can be mean I have chickens so I know and they can cause serious injury or death to a duckling even one that is the size of an adult duck. Might be better to split your run into 2 sides and let duckling live on one side chickens on the other and maybe think about getting a friend for yours. Then if your duckling turns out to be a drake he won't be able to try mating with your hens [which can end in death for them] because he won't be able to get to them. Drakes will try to mate with most anything. Love your avatar you have a cutie there.

 

[miloduckling]

Thank you so much! I will defiantly try that out, and hopefully find a buddy for him!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you so much! I will defiantly try that out, and hopefully find a buddy for him!

And it doesn't matter if a dfferent breed duckling love to have ducklings so if you can't find a Mallard[and might check with the others that took home from your class there maybe some that think having ducklings isn't for them and give you theirs. ] worth a try.

Keep us updated.