Loss of companion

[NewAtThis8]

I raised two jumbo pekins together (both males) who ultimately did have to be separated (but able to see and interact) due to hormones / fighting. They slept together every night. One passed away Monday. I can’t describe how sad I am, but I’ve also noticed that while we have two other (female) ducks- a different breed and younger- he seems a little lost. The females are bonded. I noticed that he does mimic their behaviors now, such as foraging and digging holes in the run, but he’s not eating his duck food or at least I’m not seeing him eat it. He’s drinking and he’s eating peas, blueberries, and solider fly larvae as well as herbs and treats from the garden but he’s not eating his duck food which has the nutrients he needs. He’s also sleeping alone- i had two duck houses, a large one for the pekins and a small one for the girls. Should i have them all sleep together now? Will this disrupt everyone’s routine? Will he eat again once he feels better? Is he ever going to feel better? I’m so new to all of this and navigating my own grief in losing a beloved companion and now realizing that his brother must be hurting just as bad

 

[Yardmom]

Do you know why your other Pekin passed away? What breed are the girls? It will take time, but he will look to join the girls. Having them sleep in one house may speed up the process.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

I raised two jumbo pekins together (both males) who ultimately did have to be separated (but able to see and interact) due to hormones / fighting. They slept together every night. One passed away Monday. I can’t describe how sad I am, but I’ve also noticed that while we have two other (female) ducks- a different breed and younger- he seems a little lost. The females are bonded. I noticed that he does mimic their behaviors now, such as foraging and digging holes in the run, but he’s not eating his duck food or at least I’m not seeing him eat it. He’s drinking and he’s eating peas, blueberries, and solider fly larvae as well as herbs and treats from the garden but he’s not eating his duck food which has the nutrients he needs. He’s also sleeping alone- i had two duck houses, a large one for the pekins and a small one for the girls. Should i have them all sleep together now? Will this disrupt everyone’s routine? Will he eat again once he feels better? Is he ever going to feel better? I’m so new to all of this and navigating my own grief in losing a beloved companion and now realizing that his brother must be hurting just as bad

I am sorry for your loss, and your duck's loss too... from what I've read, if they were bonded they will more and likely go through a type of grieving, and it can take time as @Yardmom said.

 

[NewAtThis8]

Do you know why your other Pekin passed away? What breed are the girls? It will take time, but he will look to join the girls. Having them sleep in one house may speed up the process.

He had congenital leg issues and fought septic arthritis. He had a recent infection that came on quickly and aggressively- I’m waiting for the vets joint tap results but I suspect it was in his blood stream. I’m so, so sad because I pulled him through other times and he was such a fighter. The girls are khaki campbells- there’s quite a bit of a size difference but he’s good with them so far!

 

[Luv Ducks]

He had congenital leg issues and fought septic arthritis. He had a recent infection that came on quickly and aggressively- I’m waiting for the vets joint tap results but I suspect it was in his blood stream. I’m so, so sad because I pulled him through other times and he was such a fighter. The girls are khaki campbells- there’s quite a bit of a size difference but he’s good with them so far!

Since where I am it is not mating season right now, that usually starts in the Spring I too would put them all together. They will at least keep him company. When you see any mating going on you could separate them if he seems to be hurting your girls. Good luck and I am so sorry for your loss. I have a very mixed flock and have rehomed my large drakes so that my females do not get over mated or hurt. I did have a very large Muscovy drake at one point though and he would mate my much smaller Muscovy female and did not hurt her. I still got him a new home though as I was afraid that he might if it continued.