I got a batch of ducks from Tractor Supply in March. They clearly imprinted on other ducklings and see people as a source of treats, but not as their buddies. They tolerate me and get excited when I have treats, but they don't want to be touched, pet, picked up, and they are not affectionate. Anyway, 3 turned out to be male and only one was female. So, down the line, I'm going to need two pens. I got two more ducklings that have been sexed as female (I know there's still a chance of ANOTHER drake) to keep the first female company. Now these two ducklings are clearly buddies, but they also seem to have imprinted on people. They are getting used to being alone with each other in their brooder, but if you get down on the floor with them, after they have run off some energy, they love to sit on you, are comfortable being picked up, and will peep loudly when you leave. I took the little ones out to visit with the big ones and the little ones took quite a while to warm up. They freaked out if I was not in their little enclosure with them (separate from the big ducks) and when I was in with them, they hid under/behind me. Eventually they ventured forth to look at the big ducks. The big ducks on the other hand seemed SOooo excited to make new friends but frustrated to not be able to get into the same pen. They kept trying to figure out how to get into the same enclosure and kept gawking at the ducklings. At what age/size should I make introductions in the same pen? I'm hesitant to do it too soon due to the huge size discrepancy.
Here's a picture of Rosa, Valery, and El Pato looking at Clarabelle. Rosa is a hen while Valery, El Pato, and Unicon Bob (not pictured) are drakes. The four of them were hatched in March. Clarabelle and Manderin (not pictured) are a week old.
Here's a picture of Rosa, Valery, and El Pato looking at Clarabelle. Rosa is a hen while Valery, El Pato, and Unicon Bob (not pictured) are drakes. The four of them were hatched in March. Clarabelle and Manderin (not pictured) are a week old.
