introducing ducklings

[inkyduck]

Hi, I have 2 black indian runner ladies, (3 months old) and 4 infants, 1 male and 3 females. They are separated in the coop by a baby duckling gate of wire cloth. The two older girls seem fascinated by the babies and prefer to stay with them; not even wanting to enter their run. I am very new to ducks and would love some advice on how to/ when to integrate them. Thanks, Melissa

 

[Mike Winters]

how old are the ducklings. they are probably safe with the babies, ducks are not like chickens they dont have a pecking order or act hostle to new comers like chickens do. Put the ducklings in water and let the big ones in they will probably join them the main danger is getting trampled

 

[inkyduck]

Hi Mike, Thanks for your reply... my babes are just going on a week old. My two young ladies seem smitten with them but I wouldn't want the babes to come to any harm.So glad to learn pecking order issues will not be a problem.

 

[Mike Winters]

try putting big duck with the ducklings give them them food and see what they do if they are in a closed area it will be easy to remove the big duck if she starts any thing. they may just want to mother them

 

[inkyduck]

thanks so much for the info and the idea... I will report back on success