Introducing ducklings, signs of aggression vs curiosity

[Miss Lydia]

I bet they are loving it. Try not to worry mama.

 

[PirateGirl]

I will be worried the first day/night they all spend together! Right now I am just thrilled I found a way for them to safely go out without doing too much construction and digging in a new fence.

 

[chickens really]

I'm not being rude although that's a pretty small area to introduce Ducks..Wide open spaces as they free range..Locking them into the adult enclosure is not going to work. Ducks are territorial over area...

 

[PirateGirl]

I'm not being rude although that's a pretty small area to introduce Ducks..Wide open spaces as they free range..Locking them into the adult enclosure is not going to work. Ducks are territorial over area...

Thanks! We're still sorting through the whole introduction thing. For now they can see each other and stay separate. Introduction on neutral ground sounds like a good idea. I should be able to do this on another part of the property and maybe make it a spot where none of the ducks have ever been.

When they are introduced without a fence between them, what are your thoughts on pool access? Sometimes I think the excitement of a fresh tub of water could be a good distraction from each other, other times I think the excitement of a fresh pool of water will be, well, too exciting as that seems to be when mating and rough housing happen.

 

[chickens really]

Thanks! We're still sorting through the whole introduction thing. For now they can see each other and stay separate. Introduction on neutral ground sounds like a good idea. I should be able to do this on another part of the property and maybe make it a spot where none of the ducks have ever been.

When they are introduced without a fence between them, what are your thoughts on pool access? Sometimes I think the excitement of a fresh tub of water could be a good distraction from each other, other times I think the excitement of a fresh pool of water will be, well, too exciting as that seems to be when mating and rough housing happen.

I have two pools set up a distance apart and other water bowls all over...It takes time and separate pens. I free range daily together although House separated...

 

[PirateGirl]

I have two pools set up a distance apart and other water bowls all over...It takes time and separate pens. I free range daily together although House separated...

I could do two pools, they have a "winter" pool and a "summer" pool, but I could certainly set them both up out back somewhere, the hose would reach.

 

[chickens really]

 

[Miss Lydia]

With Coyotes around your going to have to have a Hawk eye.