New Duck

[Tape]

Greetings,

I am about to adopt a new duck into our flock. We found him in a craiglist ad, after his owners put him up for adoption. I am wondering if I need to quarantine him from the rest of our flock to avoid any disease transmission. Does anybody know if this is necessary? Also, he is a transgender duck. At one point he was an egg laying female, but is now a fertile drake. Does this change how we introduce him to the flock?

Thanks

 

[SolarDuck]

Um.... transgender duck? ill be interested what other people have to say about that

 

[Corbdee]

Wow I’ve never heard of a transgender duck. I don’t really have experience with the deciding to quarantine but best of luck! Congrats on your new duck.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Some ducks seem to be transgender but they really are not. All young males have coloring that resembles a female before they get their breeding plumage. They do not lay eggs but it is very difficult to tell who is laying eggs when you have more than one duck. Also, According to Storey’s guide to Ducks by Dave Holderread, not personal experience, some female ducks will develop male coloration from hormone issues after they stop laying. But, they are not fertile. I guess wild drakes could have paid a visit though. So, unless you have a biological miracle on your hands, I don’t think so.
I wish I could help you with your quarantine question but I have only gotten ducks from a friend I trust. It certainly won’t hurt although he/she will be lonely.

 

[SolarDuck]

I know absolutely nothing about this, but it seems like it would be impossible for the same duck to at one point lay eggs and then become a fertile male capable of actually fertilizing the eggs. If that somehow is the case thats crazy.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Greetings,

I am about to adopt a new duck into our flock. We found him in a craiglist ad, after his owners put him up for adoption. I am wondering if I need to quarantine him from the rest of our flock to avoid any disease transmission. Does anybody know if this is necessary? Also, he is a transgender duck. At one point he was an egg laying female, but is now a fertile drake. Does this change how we introduce him to the flock?

Thanks

I don't believe ducks generally have as many diseases and things to worry about as chickens do.
But quarantining a new bird is always a good idea.
And then most likely you are going to need to introduce them slowly,
Behind a scene but no touch fence of some sort to let them get used to each other for a while first.
Occasionally they will just hit it off fine, but other times a slow introduction is needed.

And I'm sorry,
But there are no transgender ducks.

Some ducks seem to be transgender but they really are not. All young males have coloring that resembles a female before they get their breeding plumage. They do not lay eggs but it is very difficult to tell who is laying eggs when you have more than one duck. Also, According to Storey’s guide to Ducks by Dave Holderread, not personal experience, some female ducks will develop male coloration from hormone issues after they stop laying. But, they are not fertile. I guess wild drakes could have paid a visit though. So, unless you have a biological miracle on your hands, I don’t think so.
I wish I could help you with your quarantine question but I have only gotten ducks from a friend I trust. It certainly won’t hurt although he/she will be lonely.

^^^yes, this.
It is no different than a woman going through menopause or having a hormone imbalance.
She may have taken on more male like characteristics,
But that does not make her a transgender.

 

[Corbdee]

I think this thread is getting off topic. He/she asked if they should quarantine the duck

 

[Corbdee]

I think this thread is getting off topic. He/she asked if they should quarantine the duck

Nevermind lol someone just responded

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I know absolutely nothing about this, but it seems like it would be impossible for the same duck to at one point lay eggs and then become a fertile male capable of actually fertilizing the eggs. If that somehow is the case thats crazy.

I have seen this come up a lot in my time on byc. There are folks who will swear to their dying day that it happens.
Until I have a duck that I know for a fact is female and lays eggs, and then turns around and grows a penis I will not believe it.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Greetings,

I am about to adopt a new duck into our flock. We found him in a craiglist ad, after his owners put him up for adoption. I am wondering if I need to quarantine him from the rest of our flock to avoid any disease transmission. Does anybody know if this is necessary? Also, he is a transgender duck. At one point he was an egg laying female, but is now a fertile drake. Does this change how we introduce him to the flock?

Thanks

As far as the last part of your question,
Do you know how old the duck is?
It doesn't really change how you integrate her or him into the flock other than if this is perhaps an older duck it may be that you wanna watch out for it a little more so that it doesn't get hurt/bullied by the younger stronger ones.