Integrating 2 yr old female duck into established flock of 10 hens 2 drakes and 1 female duck

[Aliceismad106]

Hello. I recently introduced another female duck to my crew. The first day in with them, she joined right up with the other 3 and the hens didn't really pay her any mind. She was with them about 5 hours. Yesterday was like hot and cold with the other ducks. 1 drake kept forcing himself on her and the female would quack and like herd the males away from the new one. Other tines they were fine.
The hens, the hens were starting a fight club.
Each one would chase her and try to peck her. Once they got her, they ignored her.
Is this normal?
I know I shouldn't lethuman emotions get involved but it was heart wrenching to watch her get chased away or ran away from. Later in the day is was like she belonged.
Is this common with new members and it will calm down or is this bad?
When do I need to intervene?
All help is appreciated

 

[Quarterhorses1]

I find this normal, usually it chills out after a day or two. If she’s getting hurt or it lasts longer, then I would intervene

 

[Aliceismad106]

I find this normal, usually it chills out after a day or two. If she’s getting hurt or it lasts longer, then I would intervene

Thank you. I feel so bad for her.

 

[Canadian Wind]

It's not a good idea to just thrust a bird in without the others getting used to her first. The 'See but Don't Touch' method is preferred by most here, where the established flock can get used to the newcomer but without them being able to physically interact. Like having the new one in a crate or cage or fenced-in area, until the others know her. This usually takes several days to sometimes a week or more.

And always supervise and be on hand when doing the introductions, in case a quick intervention is needed.

 

[Aliceismad106]

It's not a good idea to just thrust a bird in without the others getting used to her first. The 'See but Don't Touch' method is preferred by most here, where the established flock can get used to the newcomer but without them being able to physically interact. Like having the new one in a crate or cage or fenced-in area, until the others know her. This usually takes several days to sometimes a week or more.

And always supervise and be on hand when doing the introductions, in case a quick intervention is needed.

I didn't just thrust her in. She was separated. Everything was gravy. I put her in for 5 hrs thw first day out of duck holding while I mozied on about the yard. Everything was gravy. The next day(yesterday) was a total 180 flip.
Do I separate her longer? Today is a lot better. There are still a couple that want to engage but only once in a while. She's a little skiddish, but has been sticking as close as she can to the other female.
I've never witnessed an integration so I qasnt sure if it's because she is a duck or if it's something else.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Sorry, did not mean to offend. I didn't know how you'd gone about it previous to the introduction.

 

[Aliceismad106]

Sorry, did not mean to offend. I didn't know how you'd gone about it previous to the introduction.

None taken. I'm not very good with putting thoughts to paper these days and didn't realize I didn't mention the introduction.

 

[ruthhope]

I didn't just thrust her in. She was separated. Everything was gravy. I put her in for 5 hrs thw first day out of duck holding while I mozied on about the yard. Everything was gravy. The next day(yesterday) was a total 180 flip.
Do I separate her longer? Today is a lot better. There are still a couple that want to engage but only once in a while. She's a little skiddish, but has been sticking as close as she can to the other female.
I've never witnessed an integration so I qasnt sure if it's because she is a duck or if it's something else.

Ducky alliances change on a day to day basis. YOurs are doing OK, as long as none is getting hurt. They try it on with each other to determine the pecking order. I integrated a new muscovy with mine in December and this week he started pushing one of my other muscovy, Daffy, arround, and so I added a partition to their sleeping area. Yesterday morning the newbie was up roosting with a third muscovy and I suspect that Daffy must have got out of his partition and stood on newbie. Then today I see that Daffy is top duck [for the day] . But they all hang around together during the day and feed out of the same bowl. Tomorrow Newbie may well be top duck.

Just keep an eye open for signs of serious hurt -- feathers on back of neck or on back missing, or blood anywhere [my muscovy when being really mean peck at the eyes and the preen gland]. separating one at night can help -- I sometimes separate the under dog and other times separate the top dog, depending on who else is involved.

 

[Aliceismad106]

Thank you so much!