Newbie looking for advice

[TheGardenLady8]

Hi there!
Im new to the forum, and had a question about ducklings & chicks.
We currently have 4 2 week old Ameraucana chicks, 2 3 week old BLRW'S and a 5 day old Black Cayuga Duckling.
Im fully aware that Ducks are flock animals, and should not be kept as singles, she was however the only egg to hatch. Since we have our chickie girls, I figured she could become part of that flock, but it doesnt seem to be working well.
The 4 Ameraucanas are wary, but nice to the duckling. However, the BLRW'S are not. They peck at her constantly, so shes now in a seperate brooder. They can see each other, but cant get at each other.
At "free range in the living room time" our Ameraucana girls watch, but avoid the duckling, while the big girls chase her even as I try to redirect their interest. Which leaves me with 6 playing chicks, and a duckling in my lap.
Im not sure what the next step should be. Are they always going to bully her? I was hoping they could be cooped together as adults (yes, I know what a mess ducks are).
Right now, I work from home, so Jemmy (The duckling) is not at a loss for attention. I can try to source a friend for her, but ive got my fingers crossed as she gets bigger they wont pick (or peck) on her as she gets herself established into their rankings.
Any advice on how to integrate them? Or is it impossible?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd look for her a buddy of her own species. They just do so much better when they grow up with one of their own and when time comes to put them all outside and the ducklings are bigger they will be able to ward off any picking from the chickens better. Not saying they still might get pecked on and you'd have to separate for sleeping but at least if it came to that Jemmy would have a friend to snuggle with.

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

From what ive read and heard you really need to find jimmy a playmate of his/her own species. She will be much happier then. If i take one of my two ducklings away, the second screams/ cries until they are reunited
As far as brooding in the same place, as jimmy grows it will become impossible with the growth rate as he will end up trampling them.
I brooded mine in separate brooders for that exact reason, as well as the fact that ducks are MESSY lol.
Also, IMO, they can share the same coop/ run as long as they get along, which is a very strong possibility seeing as they were raised together...only time will tell
Best of luck to you

 

[TheGardenLady8]

Thank you both, so much!
Im sorry for the late response, storm knocked the power out.
Jemima has started to do some anxiety peeping, when someones not there, so shes traveling from office to kitchen with me for now. Ill start the search for a ducky friend today.
Does her new friend need to be a Black cayuga as well? Or can it be any breed of duck?
And any suggestions for a quieter, friendly breed besides Cayugas? I believe my options right now are Pekin, Rouens, Welsh Harlequins and Blue Swedish ducks

 

[chickens really]

Any Duckling will do..Pekin are larger so try for the other breeds...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Let us know what you find I bet Jemima will be so happy with a buddy.

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

Let us know what you find I bet Jemima will be so happy with a buddy.

X2

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

x2 to the above. Unfortunately, ducks don't 'speak chicken' and vice versa. Mama hens who hatch ducklings go berserk trying to herd her chicks when a duckling is programmed to follow behind mama! In other words Jemmy needs a companion of her own species. Not just as a little one right now, but for the rest of her life. It isn't a good idea to keep one of any flock or herd animal. No matter how bonded to you, they will be deprived of the comfort of their own kind. Ducklings are cheap; could you buy her a friend? How attached are you to the duckling? Do you know someone who has ducks who might be able to foster her and you could visit? Sorry, just trying to suggest all bases...good luck and keep us posted.

 

[TheGardenLady8]

Please forgive me for such a long absence, weve had a crazy week here! Bareroot roses arrived early, along with an assortment of clematis and penonies and everyone had to get planted.

As an update, Jemima has a lrttle friend coming next thursday! A blue swedish. I ordered from our local feed store, as all we had available locally were Pekins and Call ducks
Hopefully she will be very pleased with her new companion, and I will be able to take off the duck sling. (Which I might actually miss, as ive even grown to enjoy taking her everywhere with me!)

Thank you all s much for your help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's great news!!!