Flock changes - Advice needed!

[jduckymomma]

Hi -
Last year my children convinced me to buy two ducklings as pets. They turned out to be one drake and one hen.

Since the dynamic between our male and female ducks has changed since they matured, we've had some issues with over-mating and have had to start separating Donald (our Pekin drake) when he is a little too "loving". Ultimately, we have decided to re-home Donald, which will leave Daisy (our small Buff hen) alone in the yard.

We have ordered three new ducklings to live with Daisy, and the timing is such that she will only be alone for about 3 days before the ducklings arrive. I have a few questions I'm hoping to get a little advice with:

First, I am wondering if it is cruel to move Donald out after they grew up together and have never been apart for 11 months? I am very worried that she will react horribly to him being gone, but I'm not sure what kind of bond ducks have with mated partners. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for Daisy? Should I get the ducklings before I get rid of Donald?

Second, when the ducklings arrive, can I just put them in the coop with Daisy? Or will I need to keep them separate until they are older? Will this even work to provide Daisy with the kind of bond that she has had with Donald? I'm so worried that she will stay miserable!

Lastly, I'm wondering about Donald's new home. He is going to live at a friend's farm with a flock of chickens. There will not be any other ducks there with him. Will he adjust to that ok after growing up free-ranging in a yard with only one other duck? Is there any advice I can give my friend to make his adjustment go smoothly?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens trying to tag a few folks that have ducks
@casportpony @sumi need help Please

 

[Runner duck mom]

If you ordered sexed female ducklings you may be able to keep Donald since he will have 4 females to choose from and won't just be bothering Daisy all the time.
We had a solo duck for a bit when she lost her sister and while we were raising new ducklings. She was ok for a bit but is noticeably happier with friends. If you do get rid of Donald I would get her a mirror to keep her company, they like it when they can see another duck.
If they are free range in the yard Donald would be sure to try and protect Daisy from any predator since she's his special lady. If she is on her own it may be more dangerous for her.
The new babies will be too small to be in with Daisy for a while. She could hurt or drown them (they could drown themselves too) plus they will need different kinds of feed for a while (unmedicated chick starter for the ducklings) .
Donald would be much happier with another duck for company at his new home I'm sure but I know others will be able to help you out and know more than me.
Would love to see pics of the new babies when they arrive and wish you the best of luck

 

[Miss Lydia]

Like @Runner duck mom said if you have ordered sexed females I’d keep Donald just keep him in drake jail for a while longer. You’ll have to brood the new ducklings until at least 4 weeks old if your in a warm climate. But take the ducklings out in nice weather so your adults get to see them and get use to them. Once your ducklings are adult size they should all be use to each other and integration will go smoother. But you don’t want Donald mating the young ones till around 4 months old

 

[jduckymomma]

Yes, I ordered 3 sexed females of 3 different breeds from Metzer Farms. I feel awful, and I know I should keep Donald, but I just want to eliminate the entire mating issue. I'm having to creatively explain all these behaviors to my young kids, and they still get very upset when it looks like he's hurting her. Having a drake adds a layer of complication to our duck-owning experience that we were not really prepared for (we all thought Donald was female for quite awhile). My friend intends to get more ducks, so Donald is not likely to be the only duck at his new home for long.

Would it help Daisy if I picked up another older duck at Metzer too when I pick up the ducklings? I am not opposed to that, but is it possible she might just fight with another adult female she doesn't know?

Thank you all so much for your help!

 

[jduckymomma]

Donald and Daisy. They like to sneak into the patio when someone leaves the gate open...

 

[Texag87]

If you rehome Donald I hope they get more ducks for him. If not they will have to separate him from the chickens and he will be alone

 

[Milkshakeroo]

Yes, I ordered 3 sexed females of 3 different breeds from Metzer Farms. I feel awful, and I know I should keep Donald, but I just want to eliminate the entire mating issue. I'm having to creatively explain all these behaviors to my young kids, and they still get very upset when it looks like he's hurting her. Having a drake adds a layer of complication to our duck-owning experience that we were not really prepared for (we all thought Donald was female for quite awhile). My friend intends to get more ducks, so Donald is not likely to be the only duck at his new home for long.

Would it help Daisy if I picked up another older duck at Metzer too when I pick up the ducklings? I am not opposed to that, but is it possible she might just fight with another adult female she doesn't know?

Thank you all so much for your help!

Growing up on a farm is the best way for kids grow up with animals mating and not get any issues about it. Just be straight to the fact when they mate and say that is how they make babies. My girls have seen the sheep mate, the bearded dragons and all the birds I have. I really think it is no big deal and is a perfect educational tool.

 

[jduckymomma]

Is he likely to hurt the chickens, or vice versa?

 

[Texag87]

He will hurt the chickens because his anatomy is not right for chickens if he tries to mate them.