Getting Along

[KandJBurton]

I have 2 8-week old male ducks and 2 3-week old females. I am also getting two more females this week. I've taken the little ones out to our enclosure (supervised) with the big ducks, but the males are aggressive, so I've cordoned off a separate area for the babies to enjoy during the day. What is the best way to socialize them so they'll get along better?

 

[beccaWA]

My adult drakes (which yours aren't quite, but still bigger) are a tad aggressive with the little ones. It's more like, hey, get out of my way; or I'm eating that! They nip at them, but really nothing more. I'd say you're doing the right thing. Cordon off the area, but still let them see each other. Wait until they are about the same size then supervise the interaction.

Also, with only four females I would only keep only one drake. There could be overbreeding and fights later on with the ratio you have. Good luck!