How can I help my lonely duck?

[kiwiduck]

I had two ducks that I raised as pets together since they were ducklings, I got them four months ago. one of them was killed by a raccoon, which was extremely devastating to my entire family, but especially to the other duck. They did everything together. The one that died was a male magpie duck named Zach Quack and the one I still have is a female Khaki Campbell named Kiwi. I'm almost positive of their genders, as they had started mating.

Anyway - Kiwi seems very sad, she quacks non-stop whenever she's alone and won't stop until I pick her up. This was probably a bad idea, but I've let her move into the lounge of my house, and I stole one of my dog's beds which she now sleeps in.

It's very hard to keep her inside all the time because she poops everywhere, but whenever she goes outside she looks for Zach and quacks really loudly when she can't find him.

My Question is this: Can/should I get her a new friend? if so, would a duckling or a grown duck be preferable? also, I have to ask, can I put some eggs in her bed and then one day bring in a duckling so she thinks it's hers? I feel like that would be a bad idea but it seems neat

 

[julia305]

I'm so sorry to hear that it's awful when a pet dies. I have had exactly the same thing happen to me - had two brothers from ducklings 5 months ago who were inseparable and one of them got injured by a fox and died and I am also trying to think of ways to help him. He has two chickens for company but quacks non stop when they are not around. So I'm interested in people's responses to your post. I would say definitely get your duck a companion as they do have to live with other ducks they are social creatures. I will leave the experts to answer the rest though. Again, i'm so sorry for your loss its heartbreaking isnt it seeing them alone.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

I think you should get 1 or 2 new ducks to be her companions. Get adults, because she might reject ducklings.

 

[Orca5094]

So sorry for your loss.

I agree though, get her a couple new adult duck friends. This is why it's always best to have at least 3 ducks, in case something like this happens you won't be left with one lonely duck.

It's highly unlikely she will accept ducklings if she didn't lay the eggs herself and then incubate them for the full term (~28 days), so adults would definitely be best.

 

[Vosh Sahaal]

Tricking her into broodiness could be difficult and she would have to witness the hatching. The only way to do ducklings would be trick her broody then give her fertilized eggs. Also there is such a thing as a duck diaper.

 

[Boomer1980]

Does anybody know where I can get a couple adult dogs or does it matter what breed I get my duck only have one and it won’t stop quacking because it’s lonel

 

[Miss Lydia]

Try here on BYC https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/find-your-states-or-your-countrys-thread.270925/

Also some animal shelters will keep ducks looking for a new home. Also there are rescuers out there. Carolin Waterfowl rescue is one Majestic waterfowl is another and there are most likley other so look up your state and see what rescues are around. Even craigslist can have them.

Poor girl did she lose her flock? And Welcome to BYC.

 

[BlueO]

Had the same problem. Had a mallard and runner (Both male). One flew away and has not returned. The remaining runner who could not fly became very affection toward people. Had to wait through the winter then got him ducklings.when they were adults we put them with him. He was so happy and is now very protective of them. Your duck will be alright vary sorry

 

[Miss Lydia]

Had the same problem. Had a mallard and runner (Both male). One flew away and has not returned. The remaining runner who could not fly became very affection toward people. Had to wait through the winter then got him ducklings.when they were adults we put them with him. He was so happy and is now very protective of them. Your duck will be alright vary sorry

 

[Miss Lydia]

Does anybody know where I can get a couple adult dogs or does it matter what breed I get my duck only have one and it won’t stop quacking because it’s lonel

Also many are looking to rehome their ducks this time of year so you may find just what you are looking for. If you decide to go with females get at least 4 so your drake isn't breeding just one. They can cause problems when there is only one female.