I'm getting a duck! So Excited!!!

[Funsizeracing]

So I placed an order for some more chicks with Cackle Hatchery. I'm also getting a Peking hen. O, I can't wait for them to arrive!

 

[BlackBrookPoultry]

Are you planning on getting her a mate/friend in the future? She will be very unhappy being the only duck.

 

[DuckLover179]

You'll love your Pekin! I have 2, and they are so sweet, and cute!!! If you want any pics, I have tons!

But, like other post said, ducks are happier with more company, than just themsleves. Is it possible for you to get another one?

 

[DuckyGurl]

She will need a buddy-otherwise they get terribly lonely!

 

[CityChick15]

Hi All,

I have a 5 week old Indian Runner and I am considering getting her a buddy. Right now she is stuck to my hip (she even comes to the office with me). What is the best combination (I don't really care to hatch baby ducks, I live in the city). I just want my girl to be happy!
ANY THOUGHTS?


Male & Female

Female & Female

Male & Male

My kiddos enjoying a spring day!

 

[veronicasmom]

IMO, I would get another female. Then you don't have to deal with the overbreeding thing in the spring. That's why I am up to 3 girls with my drake and maybe one more.

Adorable picture.

 

[Funsizeracing]

Does she need another duck friend or would other animals similar in size be suffice? I planned on her being a half-house duck. Indoors when I'm home, with the chickens when I'm not.

Can you take your ducks to other ponds with you? I planned on keeping a small pool in the yard w/ a drain for convienence but there is a large neighborhood lake just down the street from me. I wondered if I could take her over there to play. Would she come back to me when I called (w/ treats of course )

 

[AdamD77]

Does she need another duck friend or would other animals similar in size be suffice?
Ducks can live alongside other poultry, but if you think about it in human terms, it's like putting you with a bunch of gorillas for company. There are certain things that ducks do that chickens don't, or the other way around, for example ducks swim of course, so she wouldn't have a swimming buddy, and chickens roost at night whereas ducks sleep on the ground so she'd be a bit lonely when shut away (if she were to sleep out of the house sometimes). The good point is that in getting a female, she won't try to mate with the chickens and injure them in the process.

Can you take your ducks to other ponds with you?
I'm not sure about this, it'd be easier to just keep her on your premises with a kiddie pool. Then at least you don't have to worry about her refusing to come back to you if it started to get dark.

Would she come back to me when I called (w/ treats of course

)?
That all depends on her upbringing really. If she gets imprinted or very attached to you then she may follow you even in adulthood. If you do decide for her to be a semi-indoor duck then she probably will be very attatched to you. If you don't spend much time socialising with her etc (I'm sure you would but still..) then she would be less likely to come when you call her.

 

[Funsizeracing]

Thanks for all the info. I do have one other question. If we have a human swimming pool will it be impossible to keep her out?

 

[BlackBrookPoultry]

If she is able to get in that pool that's where she is going to want to spend most of her day!