NEED HELP! Introducing new duck to adult malllard

[Kev1279]

I have an adult mallard (about 12 months) and I am looking to introduce another duck to him. He was raised with a Peking duck but it was killed by a raccoon a couple days ago. Im not sure if I should try and introduce him with another Peking duckling or if I should try and get another adult Peking/mallard. He has been lonely without his buddy and would like to have him introduced to another duck as soon as possible. Any advice would be great!

 

[johntfs]

Don't introduce him to a duckling. There's a decent chance he'll kill it. Drakes tend to kill ducklings that aren't their own. And sometimes they'll even kill their own, I think.

Your best bet would be another adult. But don't toss them in together immediately, let them see each other but be fenced off for maybe a week. In the meantime, maybe put up some mirrors where he lives so he'll think there's more ducks around.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Ok, first do a "look and don't touch" situation to see how they react with each other. In my experience sometimes it's an instant connection and they will be fine but other times it just takes a little time to get used to each other.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Sorry, I missed the "duckling" part. Be very careful with that. It would be better to get him an adult girlfriend if you can.

 

[DucksOhio]

I have an adult mallard (about 12 months) and I am looking to introduce another duck to him. He was raised with a Peking duck but it was killed by a raccoon a couple days ago. Im not sure if I should try and introduce him with another Peking duckling or if I should try and get another adult Peking/mallard. He has been lonely without his buddy and would like to have him introduced to another duck as soon as possible. Any advice would be great!

So sorry to hear about your Pekin...raccoons are awful.
Maybe try an adult duck, female in similar size? Or 2? I agree that some fencing would be wise when first introducing a new duck.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Hi there! I ditto the previous advice you’ve been told. I’d like to add, when you do the introduction, it is best to do it on neutral grounf, if possible. That way, neither has the upper hand. Then, keep them separate but definitely able to see each other.. have this set up when you cannot supervise. If you are there...just make sure you have a quick way to keep them apart...a net, piece of cardboard, etc. Because...they do need to learn to be left alone together... sooo..the goal is to get them to eat out of your hand together....start with crumbles in trails leading basically so that each are eating together.

if you had more ducks. You would want multiple feeders...but, since it’s two being introduced...you want the two to become very close and feel they can share eating out of a small space...and trust your hand...if it’s not your hand right away, that’s ok...that will come... make sure the ducks bond to each other first, then they will bond to you easier. . I’m sorry about losing your ducky...I hope you can find a new little girl for your little guy!