Integrating ducklings question

[Valntyn]

We had Muscovy ducklings born on July 9. That makes them currently 6 weeks old. Right now, the ducklings and their mama are in a separate wing of our duck pen.

The main part of our pen currently houses two Muscovy females and three drakes (two gentle Anconas and a nice-but-still-dom Muscovy).

We're wondering how old/big they should be before we integrate them with the rest of the flock. The two pens share a common wall made of poultry netting, so they all know about each other.... and we know they need to be big enough to protect themselves in case the males go after them... but what exactly is 'big enough?' Should we wait another couple weeks? Months?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Miss Lydia]

We had Muscovy ducklings born on July 9. That makes them currently 6 weeks old. Right now, the ducklings and their mama are in a separate wing of our duck pen.

The main part of our pen currently houses two Muscovy females and three drakes (two gentle Anconas and a nice-but-still-dom Muscovy).

We're wondering how old/big they should be before we integrate them with the rest of the flock. The two pens share a common wall made of poultry netting, so they all know about each other.... and we know they need to be big enough to protect themselves in case the males go after them... but what exactly is 'big enough?' Should we wait another couple weeks? Months?

Thanks for your time!

It might help the intergration if you could let them all out into a common area for the day. then put them all to bed together. That way they would have hopefully worked out much of the pecking order. and you can supervise any problems that may arise. The ducklings are def old enough it just helps if you can watch in case someone wants to get too rowdy.

 

[stonykill]

It might help the intergration if you could let them all out into a common area for the day. then put them all to bed together. That way they would have hopefully worked out much of the pecking order. and you can supervise any problems that may arise. The ducklings are def old enough it just helps if you can watch in case someone wants to get too rowdy.

x2

 

[Mum]

I have been integrating 2 ducklings with my flock pretty much since they were hatched.

It begins with me taking them out for a walk for 20 minutes; because I'm Head Duck of the Duck Flock, the bigger birds pay no attention to the ducklings. Gradually, the time is increased. They are now 4/5 weeks old and have fully integrated with the flock.

What I think is key to success is having a large area for them to roam around together in. If the space is too small, it can cause squabbles. The difference in your own scenario is that your ducklings have a duck mama; she will keep an eye on them.

Good luck with your integration

 

[Valntyn]

Thank you very much, folks!

 

[jamband]

my muscovy mamas are super protective. they do just fine staying integrated and never being seperated for me. The mamas turn into pitbulls if anyone messes with babies

 

[Valntyn]

Cool. Everything I'd read prior to the hatching scared me too much to keep them all together. Tomorrow's the big day -- we'll open up the door between the two pens and think good thoughts!

And maybe next time we'll not separate at all!

 

[stonykill]

Cool. Everything I'd read prior to the hatching scared me too much to keep them all together. Tomorrow's the big day -- we'll open up the door between the two pens and think good thoughts!

And maybe next time we'll not separate at all!

I've only had 1 duck broody and didn't separate. But I've had ....I don't know, 60 chicken broody hatches maybe and I don't separate them either. Mama's take care of things better than I can

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've only had 1 duck broody and didn't separate. But I've had ....I don't know, 60 chicken broody hatches maybe and I don't separate them either. Mama's take care of things better than I can

X2!