Keeping a duckling from feeling lonely?

[HollyAlmond]

Hey!

This morning I went to check on my two baby ducks in their brooder just to discover one of them had suddenly passed in the night. She showed no signs of illness or health issues. I don’t know why she passed sadly and am now worried about my other duckling. She’s now alone and left without a companion. I have three other ducks, however, but I haven’t had the opportunity to introduce them to each other yet. My other three are over two months old while my duckling is 2-3 weeks. What should I do in the meantime time keep this sweet angel from feeling lonely? I just need something for the time being until I can get another companion for her!

 

[CascadiaRiver]

I would just spend as much time with her as you can until the next few days when you can get to the feedstore and get another duckling, I wouldn't try to introduce her to the other ducks as the size difference could be tricky and/or dangerous

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Get a mirror and a stuffed animal for in the brooder.
She is too little to be with the older ducks but you can visit them with her. I used to let mine sit on my lap and watch the others from there. It helps them think that we belong in this flock. My single duckling from two years ago is now the top drake in my flock and he is a gentleman.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Lots of you interacting with her. When I had a solo hatch I used a stuffed animal with my chick. A mirror is also a great idea. Having chicks and ducklings solo is not ideal but it isn't the end of the world.

 

[Yardmom]

Try to get your lone little one in site of the older ones. The more it is with them the easier it will be for it to become part of the flock later.
As you know ducklings grow quickly. I would actually start putting them together in the next week or so. The integration will be smoother if the other ducklings are not mature.