Lonely duck + intro-ing a friend?

[jeroger2]

Hi everyone! I have a solo lonely Welsh Harlequin whose sister was killed by a fox last week I work from home, it was very early in the morning and we think the fox just slipped through the fence after they were let out of the run. We were there within seconds but it was just barely too late. No more being let out before it's fully light. Now she has been hanging with the three chickens but clearly pretty lonely.

I am going to get her substitute sister but really cannot have more than two at the moment. Are there any suggestions on how to go about an introduction, especially with quarantine time. I have quarantined the others in our garage but they were always brought in at least a pair and as youngsters. Never solo. Are there any suggestions? How risky is a short quarantine (2 weeks)? Would the baby duck be totally freaked being alone to the point that it's not do-able? I'm considering one that is her age (~3 months) or younger.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you get a duckling you will probably still need to provide heat if it isn't feathered in completely. by 3 months it should be.
Just use a separate pen for intros let all be able to meet that way may only take a few days might take longer just depends on the temperament of your flock.

Very sorry for your loss.

I think it's not that necessary to quarantine water fowl as other poultry since they are much hardier.

 

[jeroger2]

Thanks for the quick reply. Glad to hear all of that. It gives me a little confidence. I was planning on popping in a heating pad or light for the evenings especially. We are in Texas so the days are starting to warm up more and more. Thanks again.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Be sure to let us know how things are going and post some pics too. We love pics.

Oh and after a couple days of being close by each other you could try with supervision putting them all together and tossing something special on the ground for them all that is a good way for them to start being together. I am thinking your lonely duck will be very happy to have a friend.

 

[jeroger2]

Thanks! I will keep you posted. I'm hoping to get the new addition within the week, or she's going to drive our neighbors crazy with her yells! Here is a pic of our lonely girl. Doing a little preening so she looks a little chunky here. Here's her and the sis at only about two months post swim. She's the silver.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Gorgeous girls, I am sure she is beside herself wondering what happened to her sis.

I hope you can find her a new sis real soon.

 

[jeroger2]

Update: We got a ~2-3 month old Muscovy from a local family a few days ago. She's very cute, but not as social as my Welsh (yet!) All is going very well with the introduction! We kept them apart, through a pen at first. But my original Welsh has been SO loud since bringing the Muscovy in. They slept slide by side last night but even this AM ::quack quack quack::: Not sure what's going on in that brain of hers. Hopefully its joy and she will give it a rest soon I'll post pictures!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Look forward to seeing the pics.

Hopefully your Welsh will settle down some now that she has a buddy. Muscovy's can be won over with treats mines fav are dried meal worms. And small size dog kibble.

 

[CayugaJana]

She’s probably yelling at you “Hey! Look at my new friend! Isn’t this so fantastic?!”