how to introduce my "mixed" bunch

[Pawsnhoofs]

I know I am going about this a little backwards, but I was wondering if I could get some advice/tips on how to introduce different ages/breeds to one another. I already have two six week old Rouens. Next week I am getting some Toulouse goslings and the week after I am getting some Swedish Blue ducklings. Since they are all from different hatcheries, quarantine will be a must. But eventually I will need them to all live together in my backyard. What will be the best way to go about this?

 

[carcar80]

I believe the "look but don't touch" seems to be the common way around here. I've not done it but I think if they get used to one another through a barrier and don't seem to be having issues, you could then start with supervised meet & greets progressing to full integration. Not sure about the goose/duck mesh since I've never had geese so someone else will talk more on that.

In other news, I want to know more about the baby in your avatar! Good luck!!

 

[flockman]

Agree with Carcar80. The geese introduction to ducks should be the same way. I just integrated my 2 goslings(1 week old), with my newly hatched pekin ducklings. It went very well. The ducklings follow the goslings around and huddle up with them as well. I have not integrated ducks before. I have done so with chickens and meeting each other through fencing is the best way for a while. Then allow them to be together for daytime but separate at night. I have heard that adult drakes can be really aggressive with ducklings. Hopefully you can introduce them before then.

Good luck! I bet you will love your goslings! I know that I do!

 

[Pawsnhoofs]

my avatar is a picture of our "little" Clydesdale filly the day she arrived at our house. She was exactly 4 1/2 months old in that picture. To give you a size reference - I am 6'2" tall (that is me in the shot with her). She is now almost 2 years old. How time flies. She is the joy of our lives, along with all of our other babies.

 

[carcar80]

Awesome. I was assuming draft with the size combined with the obvious baby-ness. My hubby loves Clydes but I remind him what they would do to our fence- and our feed bill! LOL. So he settles for loving on my portly QH.

I got invited yesterday to go meet the Budweiser Clydes this Thursday!! I can't WAIT!!!!