I need duck help!

[weber427]

Okay guys I need help!!!

I have 2 khaki Campbell’s (1 male 1 female) the female is within close to 10 days of hatching her eggs…. We have 2 baby ducks similar size about 7 weeks old that we want to introduce to them older 2.. do I wait until she hatches the eggs or while she is sitting on the nest? Our drake is very protective over her so I’m scared he may attack the littles while she is nesting, but I’m not sure how it will go with 5 BABIES running around too.

We have to have them combined close to July 10th. They don’t free range- they have a run so they will be confined together.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It depends on the ducks. I would try supervised mingling to see what the reaction will be. The female will be preoccupied. The male may or may not go after them. You won't know until you try. I would start by penning them next to each other so they all become more familiar, than try mingling while you keep an eye on everyone.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

In my opinion, that egg is not alive. Are you seeing movement in the egg? If so, yes, you need to wait!
Also, you cannot mix babies with adults even in just a couple weeks. Your babies will be injured. Make a seperate coop for your young ones where they can see each the older ones but not touch each other. You really need to wait until they are 3-4 months old before you combine them. If you do not, you risk permanent damage from your drake raping them. If one of your young ones is a drake, you for sure want to wait until fall to mix them. That would be your best chance of them getting along as your older drakes hormones will be the lowest level. I know it is difficult, I have three that are eight weeks old. But, it really is the only way. Ducks are not always great about accepting newcomers.