How does a duck do after the passing of its mate?

[LisaKC]

My Pekin duck just past away from a heart attack at 10 months old. I got her and my male Indian runner 5 days after they were born. They have always slept in the house together and even though we have a triple reinforced coup and pen they have always come in at nightfall. He has been sleeping most of the day and following me around but I don't know what the future will hold.

 

[Amiga]

Sorry for your loss. Ducks grieve, often deeply. He needs companionship. You can contact a rescue group - there is Nevins Farm in Massachusetts and Majestic Waterfowl in Connecticut. They may have an adult duck or three you could adopt.

Or you can ask on the Where Am I Where Are You forum - or Free Rehoming forum - to locate a duck in need of a home.

Meanwhile, he needs you as much time as you can give him. An unbreakable mirror may help.

 

[veronicasmom]

SO sorry for your loss. I would say that it would be best to get another pair of ducks as soon as you possibly can. Ducks do grieve, I saw it with our Runner drake when his mate died years ago. He just kind of sat at the shed door all day and did nothing. We got him a Pekin girl and then another mixed breed female and he was happy again. They are flock animals and do need companions.

Good luck and again, so sorry for your loss.

 

[Hooperdooper]

How do you know if they will like each other?

 

[Amiga]

You don't actually. But there are things you can do to help them like each other if it is not love at first sight. That happens, too, sometimes.

Set them up side by side - divide the living space so they can see each other but not touch each other at first. See how they react. They may fuss at each other. Feed them treats at the same time. When the fussing settles down, let them out in the same area and watch. A little pushing, shoving, and poking is normal. Even a little loud fussing. Again, they may just be best of friends right away. If not, put them back in their respective shelters, and try again later.

It took about a day for Michele and Romy to fit into the Runner flock. Bean, Hazel and Carmella seemed to fit in pretty well at first after a few days, but then we had X-rated middle school kinds of problems. Romy liked Bean. But when Bean started mating Romy, three or four of the Runner girls got all upset and jumped on Bean, who was on Romy, and poor Romy did not like that.

So from then on, Romy ran from Bean. Which really challenged Bean . . . so he ran after Romy. Well, it was a mess. So I split the flocks.

Fast forward. This winter, I tried again. Peace and harmony!!!! So now we have one flock again and I pray it continues thus.

Long story to illustrate two points. First that it is up to the ducks to get along. Second, we can very often come up with a plan that will help them get along.

 

[Hooperdooper]

You don't actually.  But there are things you can do to help them like each other if it is not love at first sight.  That happens, too, sometimes.

Set them up side by side - divide the living space so they can see each other but not touch each other at first.  See how they react.  They may fuss at each other.  Feed them treats at the same time.  When the fussing settles down, let them out in the same area and watch.  A little pushing, shoving, and poking is normal.  Even a little loud fussing.  Again, they may just be best of friends right away.  If not, put them back in their respective shelters, and try again later.

It took about a day for Michele and Romy to fit into the Runner flock.  Bean, Hazel and Carmella seemed to fit in pretty well at first after a few days, but then we had X-rated middle school kinds of problems.  Romy liked Bean.  But when Bean started mating Romy, three or four of the Runner girls got all upset and jumped on Bean, who was on Romy, and poor Romy did not like that.

So from then on, Romy ran from Bean.  Which really challenged Bean . . . so he ran after Romy.  Well, it was a mess.  So I split the flocks.

Fast forward.  This winter, I tried again.  Peace and harmony!!!!  So now we have one flock again and I pray it continues thus.

Long story to illustrate two points.  First that it is up to the ducks to get along.  Second, we can very often come up with a plan that will help them get along.

Well we ate taking Dean to see a girl his own age that seems to get picked on by her flock and the owner would rather see her happy in another home if possible. We'll see how they get along.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well we ate taking Dean to see a girl his own age that seems to get picked on by her flock and the owner would rather see her happy in another home if possible. We'll see how they get along.

Exciting let us know how it goes.

 

[Hooperdooper]

Exciting let us know how it goes.

Went great. Best friends right off the bat.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Went great. Best friends right off the bat.

That is so sweet no more lonely nights.

 

[tdd2]

Excellent!