My Rouen Ducklings

[miezzi]

Our family just recently got into backyard chickens. I personally am a duck lover, and decided to add to ducks to the flock. The lady at TSC said the chicks and ducklings should be fine in the brooder and coop together so long as we got them all at the same time. Unfortunately the ducklings were delayed for two weeks, and my 2 week old chicks are NOT at all interested in them joining the flock! SO for now they are separated... They can see, hear and smell each other in hopes that they will eventually tolerate each others presence and get along out in the same run!

Above is a picture of my two new little guys. They are so adorable!
Question: Last night was the ducklings first night home. After putting them in the brooder I sat with them for a bit, talk to them, I really just wanted to make sure they could find the food and water okay. Now every time I leave the room one of the ducklings panics, start pacing around and peeping VERY loudly. This behavior wasn't so cute at 4:30am!! Is this normal?? Does this duck believe I'm its duck mother?? I was expecting them to be nervous and hesitant of me. But they are always watching me, and peep loudly when I go out of sight! I assume they wont love me this much forever! haha

I can't wait to find out if they are boys/girls. What age can you can begin to tell the difference?

I plan to keep this thread updated as they grow! Wish me luck on this new adventure!

 

[buff goose guy]

yeah thats normal i suggest u get used to it if u want ducklings it lasts as long as they have to stay inside.

if u spend enough time with them they'll probably stay friendly to you all there lives so you should be fine

 

[miezzi]

I have 22 little chicks in the house as well, and I swear my one little duckling can peep louder then all the chicks put together! haha
They are lucky the are so darn cute!.... The only way they stopped peeping last night was for me to sleep on the couch with my hand in the brooder! Spoiled little ducks! haha

I intend for them to live outside. I'm assuming once they grow a bit and get outside they will become a little more independent.

It will be amazing to have a good a relationship with them.... Guess we are off to a good start!

Approx how old before there feathers start showing whether they are females or males? I know I have a while to wait!

 

[buff goose guy]

for rouens they hit the juvenile stage first and begin to jet juvenile feathers at about a month or so. at this time they still look the same so its best to voice sex at that age

 

[miezzi]

Update:
So far so good! Both ducklings are doing well and seem happy!
The chicks and ducks can stick their heads into eachothers sections without issues, so there is hopes the will eventually tolerate eachother.

I find one duckling to be calmer, and seems to really enjoy my company and being held.
The other is a little more skiddish and likes to bite and nibble at my fingers and whatever else it can.

They hate being seperated from eachother, they cry... But they havent been peeping all night since they move close to the chicks! so thats a bonus!

The ducklings are a week old today!