Imprinting Question

[bex1983]

Do ducklings imprint to specific ducklings (ie their hatch mates) or do they simply imprint to ducks as a species? Asking because my ducks are 3,4&5 days old and someone wants one of the ducks now so it can bond with him earlier rather than later (he has 3 adult ducks, 2 are the parents of my ducklings, and 5 two week old ducklings). If this duck is taken from his hatch mates and put in with the 2 week old ducklings, will it be alright because he is still with other ducks though not the ones he’s been with his whole life so far? Also, will his hatch mates miss him and call for him like a mama duck would do?

I knew my neighbor wanted one of the ducks if it looked like it does I just didn’t think it would be so soon...bah I’m not cut out for this duck business!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A lot of bonding goes on even before hatching as birds peep and talk to each other in the egg. As long as you break them up in groups they will be okay. Never remove a single bird. They should be in pairs or trio's in the least. They won't bond to other ducklings, but will get used to them over time.

 

[bex1983]

A lot of bonding goes on even before hatching as birds peep and talk to each other in the egg. As long as you break them up in groups they will be okay. Never remove a single bird. They should be in pairs or trio's in the least. They won't bond to other ducklings, but will get used to them over time.

So even though he is going to other ducklings I should give another away with him from my group that he hatched with? This is so hard and sad...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes, best to send two or three minimum. Never send a single bird, especially when they are young. They will always be alone. They bond with clutch mates, who stuck together for their lives if possible.

 

[chickens really]

Well they will still noodle the heck out of it and it will not be accepted quickly....

 

[bex1983]

Well they will still noodle the heck out of it and it will not be accepted quickly....

Even though the other ducklings are only 2 weeks old and these guys are 4 days old?

 

[chickens really]

Even though the other ducklings are only 2 weeks old and these guys are 4 days old?

Definitely....

 

[bex1983]

Definitely....

Sorry, just making sure I understand...even if I make them take two instead of one, the two I send will get picked on and not accepted or at least not quickly?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sorry, just making sure I understand...even if I make them take two instead of one, the two I send will get picked on and not accepted or at least not quickly?

Generally that's what will happen. Eventually everyone will get along but that's a few months in the future.

 

[chickens really]

Sorry, just making sure I understand...even if I make them take two instead of one, the two I send will get picked on and not accepted or at least not quickly?

Yes..Older ones are bossy to young Ducklings.