Friend for Crippled (eyeless) Pekin duck?

[Quacker381]

I didn’t know where I should post this, but I was wondering what would be a good friend for my blind duck? She/he is almost 2 weeks and the others trample her if she falls, so I was wondering what animal would go best as a friend so she isn’t lonely? I was at Tractor and Supply store and saw some small chicks, do you think they would be an okay combo since they are young? They’re not even a week old I think. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Lisa Irene]

I do think a chick is worth a try. It may just cuddle up to ducky as a "Mommy" I would try a reputable breeder nearby if possible. Good to steer clear of factory chicks! And good for you caring for disabled baby

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Awww...she is cute! I think you're absolutely right about finding her a companion, but I would be cautious about putting chicks in with her - they're pecky little things, and you'd need to watch very carefully to ensure she's not harassed by them. In addition, a mixed brooder (poultry/waterfowl) could be problematic because of the wet conditions ducks cause - chicks might become wet and chilled.

What about putting her in a separate area with one or two of the ducklings she's already with? With less of a crowd, she's may be less likely to be trampled. I think ducks do better with ducks, if at all possible.

Best wishes for your SN girl! Would love to see photos.

 

[Quacker381]

I will defiantly try these! Thanks! Here are some photos from right now:

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I don't have ducks but I agree another duck would probably be best. Try and get one that's younger. That way they will grow up together but your SN duckie will be a little ahead of the curve. It may just take time and growing for her to get used to being blind and figure things out. Once they are both older you may be able to introduce them to the flock together. If not she has a friend she knows already.

My only concern would be getting the opposite sex. One drake and one female would not go well for the female.

 

[KittyKat8828]

Poor duckling, you will have to watch over it and make sure its area is always in the same place other wise it will run into things and not be able to find its food/water. It is going to be hard to integrate it with other ducklings so it would be better to have it in its own area so not to be pecked on but having one other duckling would be nice as long as they grow together.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I will defiantly try these! Thanks! Here are some photos from right now:

YVW! She's just adorable!!

 

[Quacker381]

Right now she’s doing really well! We don’t have a friend yet but will be looking! She’s really good at walking now and instead of spinning in circles she uses her beak to see where she is going. I’m trying to track her to swim right now and soon she could get a hang of that too! She’s really smart but is half the size of the others and she’s not the youngest. Also, she is 2 weeks turning 3 Wednesday!

 

[DuckyDonna]

Was she injured or was she born without eyes?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Right now she’s doing really well! We don’t have a friend yet but will be looking! She’s really good at walking now and instead of spinning in circles she uses her beak to see where she is going. I’m trying to track her to swim right now and soon she could get a hang of that too! She’s really smart but is half the size of the others and she’s not the youngest. Also, she is 2 weeks turning 3 Wednesday!