introducing a duckling to mature hens?

[pshaughnessy]

Hello all,

My wife and I have had hens in our backyard coop for several years. I recently (and somewhat impulsively) agreed to adopt an 8-week old duckling (a male Kaki Campbell I think). I've been keeping the little guy in a small cage within the coop area, but he desperately wants to be with the hens. When I let him out of his cage, he runs to the hens - however, they also peck at him fairly intensely.

My question is: Is my duckling too young to be with the hens (despite his desire to be social)? Should I wait until he has his adult feathers before allowing them to cohabitate?

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Peter S.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Ducks do have a social pecking order like chickens and every new duck needs to learn its place. When I bring a new duck/ling into the yard I always have them in a seperate run for a few days so they can see each other and slowly introduce them to each other. When you say hens- I assume you mean chickens- rather than female ducks- They have sharper beaks and could do some serious injury to the young duck if you dont keep an eye on things. You duck wants company - could you consider getting another duck for company for him?? You may find the need to house him separately anyway as ducks can be messy - and Drakes will sometimes try to mount the chickens.

 

[pshaughnessy]

DuckyfromOz,

Thanks for the advice. I am hoping that the duck can eventually peacefully co-exist with the chickens.