New ducks to small flock

[mkeilman]

We have a small flock of pet ducks ( 2 males one female), they will be 1yo this month(march2014) I would like to adopt one (maybe 2) females if I can , to introduce to them before spring sets in. They are a close knit group , I am somewhat new to this, wondering if they can get along right away or would I need a slow calculated introduction...?

 

[Going Quackers]

slow.. best way is through a fencing set up they can talk but cannot physically touch, i do this with all new birds here. I would also allow a Quarantine period if these are not ducklings..

and may i add wise choice to add more girls general rule of thumb 2-3 ducks per drake.. a 2:1 ratio is asking for trouble.

 

[mkeilman]

Thanks for your help! I know...I had hoped for more girls, I got a little unlucky with my straight run picks last year. They have been well behaved so far, but im worried with spring in the air. Wondering...if I introduce an adult(s) (looking for one now-) how long should I quarantine ? Or if I get a ducklings, how old is a safe age to intermingle with the adults?..

 

[Going Quackers]

It's okay, i know.. i often just hatch my own here.. i am drake farm that is how i am known lol I had a clutch of 9 in 2012 and i got 1 duck! anyways, quarantine times vary by person... i got a slightly older duck last fall(she was 5ish mths) i did 3wks... usually when ducks are well cared for they are not as much of a risk as chickens but depends, always depends. Reliable sources are very important.

As for ducklings? i usually if a mama is not there wait till at least 8wks but the older the better, you can allow them to be within the flock with a corral but older ducks can be rough on babies/young and some drakes can kill ducklings, a caution worthwhile to state.

Ducks do not have as rough as a pecking order as chickens, but many times i will separate young at night for even longer as adults can be bratty in the coops compared to the more roomy outside.