langfordcr
In the Brooder
- May 30, 2016
- 39
- 3
- 39
Two weeks ago we bought 3 ducklings (our first; we have chickens). Unfortunately, the dog thought they were toys while they were getting some outside time and we lost 2 to her. The dog doesn't mess with the chickens so I didn't expect her to go after the ducks. I didn't want to keep just one lone duck (Pekin) so we purchased 2 more day olds (mallards) yesterday. First of all, I was shocked at how big the 2 week old Pekin was already compared to the new ones!! Moving on, we put them together and the 2 week old is pecking at them and biting their wings. It looks pretty rough to me. Is this normal "mom/baby" behavior? Or is she really being mean to them? I don't even know her gender yet so I can't say if "she" is doing motherly things. I put a divider in the brooder last night to keep the babies protected from her. I woke up this morning and those rascals wiggled their way in and were snuggled up with the Pekin. Not sure what today will bring when they all rise and shine. Have I made a mistake bringing in 2 babies? Any advice is welcome as we are totally new to ducks and don't know their behavior!
