New to Ducks, Quick Question...

[Chica Lady]

Hi, I am new to ducks. Just got mine yesterday. 1 month old, Pekin Duck. By the time I got him (I think it's a him) home, it was too late to put him with the chickens. I wanted to be able to see how they would react to each other. Well....I put the duck in the chicken pen this morning. I decided to let the chickens out and lock up the duck to imprint home on it. So... forgetting that I had to work tonight, I wound up leaving the door to the pen closed and all the chickens were sleeping outside. When I got home, I had to put the chickens and the duck together. I hope they get along OK and don't start fighting and hurting each other before I get up in the morning.

Here is my question:

How long does it take to imprint "home" on a duck?

Also, any other advice on raising ducks is appreciated. I would like to have a mating pair, so I can eat or incubate eggs. I think I have a "him" as it is quieter than the other duck it was in the pen with. The other one was pretty loud.

Thanx

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

You need to get another duck now so that one is not lonely. Ducks are a flock animal and need more of their own kind.

At one month old the duckling needs more care than being left to wonder free ranging all day. The duckling will be an easy pick for any predator to grab without you there, or without an adequate secure pen and house for it.