Maybe introducing new duck on Saturday....

[CrystaBub]

I've been looking for another lady (or 2 or 3 lol) to add to my pair. It's been very difficult finding just the right duck at the right age, but I found a family on CL who lost one duck to a predator and needs to rehome the other. She's a Pekin and exactly the same age as my ducks. WOOHOO. They are bringing her over on Saturday to introduce her. If things work out, she will become our new feathered family member.

My duck pair has been together since they were a week old - they are very bonded and well trained to go where I tell them. I'm a little nervous about how they will take to her, how she will take to them, and if she will follow their lead since they know our daily routine. Thoughts on how this will go? I'm still new to ducks (only since March) and have no idea what I'm in for... Also curious what to look for in the introduction to make sure she's not sick or carrying anything that will infect my healthy pair.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ducks are very hardy so hopefully this lil one will be. I'd let them meet on neutral ground not inside their pen. Or if that won't work out maybe have her inside a large dog crate for a few day in the pen so they can all get acquainted. She is going to be an intruder at first. But won't take long till they are a flock. Especially since they are still young. She should look like your Jabby clear eyes no discharge. Good weight too. Interested in her surroundings. Not hunched over . She'll be scared of course. If you think it will be good to let them all out together [since you don't have to worry about her taking off to fly.] You might just toss some meal worms out on the ground and let the 3 of em go at it. There maybe some pushing and shoving but it might just be minor As for training her you could have a little set back since things will be different but stick to your schedule and hopefully she'll waddle right into it. I think you'll know what is best when the time comes.. Exciting for sure keep us updated!!

 

[CrystaBub]

Ok Thank you! The meal worms are a great idea. I don't think she has a lot of room where she is now, so hopefully she won't be too overwhelmed. I'm both excited and nervous! Will keep you posted!

 

[Miss Lydia]

She'll be in duck heaven at her new home then.

I know it's worrying bringing in a new one not knowing how they all will react to each other but I think they will work it out it may take a few days or longer but it will.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So today is the big day? looking forward to hearing all about it.

 

[Lil Drake40]

 

[CrystaBub]

Thanks for checking in!! Yes today is the big day and its been interesting! She (Chandler - but that may not stick with us) was very nervous when she arrived of course. She’s super sweet though. We tried to introduce her to the pond before our ducks, but she wasn’t having it. Even meal worms couldn’t get her in. Come to find out she’s only had access to a small amount of water and hasn’t ever really been swimming. I let our ducks in the pond thinking she’d see them and get the idea. Nope - she took off across the yard just quacking away - Jabby and Gabby running behind her. When they got too close, she charged them and Jabby then decided to show her who the top duck is around here lol. Eventually everyone calmed down. We separated them for a while but they just had a nice swim together - well J&G swam and New duck waded lol. Oh and she got mated - ugh I just couldn’t get to her fast enough in the pond to stop it. She didn’t seem to mind though.

Some things we’re going to have to work on
1) swimming lessons lol
2) she needs a lot of bathing and preening - her feathers are a mess. I’ve set aside a special tub for her with a little ACV to hopefully help her clean up. Jabby keeps trying to preen her! She’s either younger than they said or she’s behind in her molting. I wonder if vitamin deficiency can cause that?
3) she doesn’t seem to be very strong - stumbles a little and can’t jump up like J&G. She can’t get in and out, up and around things here. I think she needs niacin and vitamins. Started that already.
4) I have to carry her everywhere because she won’t follow along. I think (hope) that will change with time. They said she didn’t have a lot of room where she was so this is a big change for her.

Overall a good day. Hope the night goes well. Thanks again for checking in on us. Will keep you posted! I have some videos to upload to YouTube later!

 

[Lil Drake40]

She is in good hands I am thinking

 

[Miss Lydia]

Aww sounds like she has made it home. I am so happy Jabby and Gabby haven't had any problems with their new house mate. We need pics of course.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Awe. Poor thing. She needs a name to rhyme with the others so that she is part of the group.
Abby
Dabby
Crabby
Babby
Fabby
I mean the possibilities are endless.
Pics please when you get her more settled.