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Integrating New Ducks in a Flock

Discussion in 'Ducks' started by Shepicca, May 16, 2008.

Most Liked Posts
  1. May 16, 2008 #1
    Shepicca

    Shepicca Songster 10 Years

    115
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    May 16, 2008
    Ontario, Canada
    Hi,
    I am fairly new to ducks and have a question. I have a pair of Rouens and a pair of Cayugas that I am free ranging in my back yard. They get on pretty well and waddle all around together. About a month ago I got a pair of Call ducks and have kept them penned so far. I would like to free range the Calls with the others but when I tried it yesterday the female was immediately jumped by the male Cayuga (I had the Rouens penned to make a simpler introduction) because of the size difference I was worried he would really hurt or kill her.
    Am I worrying for nothing or is there a real danger, especailly if the male Rouen also joins in the fray once he is on the loose? I would like them to all be free range but...
    Thanks

    Irene
     
  2. May 16, 2008 #2
    chickfillhay

    chickfillhay Songster

    450
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    Dec 31, 2007
    Berlin Nh
    Me Too!! I have a peking and she is big. 21/2 mos old. When I let my little littles (chicks) out of the pen the duck rushes them. And this Tuesday I will be picking up a tiny little 2.5 lb duckling. How do I integrate?
    (NO INTENTION TO STEAL YOUR POST.) Just think we both could use the same info.
    THANKS! [​IMG]
     
  3. May 20, 2008 #3
    katemary63

    katemary63 In the Brooder

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    May 19, 2008
    Dover, AR
    Hi, I am not an expert, but we have raised ducks for 3 years now and here is what I've learned. Some males are more "amourous" then others. We had a male that became dinner because he just would not leave the females alone! He was constantly hounding them and picking on ( trying to breed) the weaker ones. I KNOW if he had a small call duck with him, he would have injured it. We have 2 other males that are not so aggressive, but I wouldn't let a Call with them either to be honest. I have Calls and they are kept in a dog kennel separate from the larger ducks. ( mine would fly away too, are yours pinioned? ) I am not speeking on integrating new ducks with old ducks because I have not done that yet! My new ducklings are just brooding. We will be doing that in a few weeks. Just my 2 cents.
     

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