New ducks in bad shape

[70%cocoa]

That's great! Nothing like the advice of a good vet for peace of mind, I think.

The mating thing is pretty normal. Hopefully they will take one look at Dudley and will be smitten!

 

[Colyjean18]

So I crawled around in the new ducks bed this morning and found no mites but when I looked last night there were a few little bug but I'm not sure if they were mites. Also I finally got a hold of one onf the ducks a tried to give her a look as much as I could and I didn't see anything on her. They are still absolutely terrified of me I have been trying to spend as much time as possible with them ( I have a two little boys, so that's not easy ) I just wonder if they are so scared because they were neglected or abused it is like night and day between them and my other two ducks. Oh and I was told they were laying eggs but haven't since I have had them, I'm assuming this is because they are stressed out, right?

 

[Amiga]

Often ducks will stop laying when they are moved.

Hang on, it takes time, but I feel that with enough of a positive environment and patient work with them, they will come around and become at least a little friendlier and comfortable with you. It is a huge transition for some ducks.

 

[Mum]

... I just wonder if they are so scared because they were neglected or abused

...

It is more likely they are scared and wary due to the transition of rehoming.

Broodiness and molting are both sound reasons why they could appear underweight and both will have an effect on egg production (as does the stress of relocating).

Buff orpingtons have a yearly egg production rate of 150-220 so that leaves anywhere between 215 - 145 days of the year where you would not expect them to lay eggs.

Keep on as you are doing: talking to them, spending bits of time with them and being patient.