introducing new hens

[Duckduckgoosie]

We are adding 2 runner hens to balance out my runner hen & drake. Other birds in our flock are six chickens & one turkey hen.

Both sets of ducks are *very* interested in each other, talking through the see but don’t touch fence.

How long would you wait to combine, for getting along purposes?

 

[fatty and friends]

they might get along right away, fall is the best time to introduce ducks. i have 3 drakes/1 hen and right now is the only time of the year they can all be together

 

[BelovedBirds]

We are adding 2 runner hens to balance out my runner hen & drake. Other birds in our flock are six chickens & one turkey hen.

Both sets of ducks are *very* interested in each other, talking through the see but don’t touch fence.

How long would you wait to combine, for getting along purposes?

In the case of just them getting along, Id do see but no touch for a couple weeks. Id say thats plenty long enough for them to get used to eachother, if both birds seem happy, Id try an introduction after a couple weeks.
But only if the birds are healthy. It's recommended to quarantine new birds for 3-4 weeks prior to introductions incase they're carrying any illness. If you're confident that they're healthy, and confident of where they came from, then thats up to you.

Ultimately its your choice and all ducks are different, some will take to each other right away, others need a bit longer. Just ensure that you supervise the introductions and separate again if need be!

 

[Duckduckgoosie]

Thank you, I’m super confident they’re clean, we have had such great luck with this breeder who’s farm is just spotless.

 

[Duckduckgoosie]

I think my issue is going to be my turkey. She’s all up in their business.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Always someone has to be a bully!

 

[Duckduckgoosie]

First visit went like this: My duck & the two new girls chased my drake all around the yard, endlessly. He ran and ran interrupted only when Turkey took it upon herself to chase the new ducks back under a bush and around the same corner over and over again.

Lol it’s been calm for months so I forgot about flock adjustment chaos.

New girls are back in their own section but I think I’ll put them in a dog crate inside the coop with everyone tonight. Maybe waking up together will lead to less chasing tomorrow

Why oh why is my boy terrified?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Wouldn’t you run if you had a pack of females chasing you? lol

 

[Duckduckgoosie]

Me: Banjo, this is all to make you happy!!!!!!!

Miz Turkey, mind yer bidness!!

 

[Duckduckgoosie]

Banjo, bottom left, hot footin’ away from his responsibilities (Goldie Fawn, Jubilee, and Josephine)