One baby duck

[sandratablita]

I had a single baby duck end up on my porch and now she/he/it is at least 3 weeks old and is barely starting to get feathers. We had a baby chick keeping it company until yesterday, the chick died so the duckling is all alone. It cries when we walk away and breaks my heart. Will it survive alone or should I try finding another duck? We have full grown chickens outside but the duck is too small still to be out at night. My kids are very attached to it so getting rid of it may be hard. It is a mallard, according to Google and pictures I found online. Thanks!

 

[katiebducks]

Aww, poor thing. We have a similar circumstance: we have one adult duck (had three chickens that were pecking her endlessly until they went to another family) and one baby. We had two until one died last week. The baby is about 4 week old. We do spoil the baby, Martin--he watches tv with us, sits with us, etc. My hope is that he and our adult will eventually bond. We are also looking into getting another duckling. For us, it just didn't work to have multiple chickens and just one duck. I hope it's better for you!

 

[momo18clara]

It should really have a friend. It can survive without one, but it wont be happy and will probably be really stressed. Until then, you can try putting a mirror and/or a stuffed animal in there to help him not be quite so lonely.

 

[MadiLarson]

My new duckling, Phil, does the same thing. I'm currently posting this from a recliner next to his tub with one hand in the tub so he knows I'm here. I'll probably have to go back to the feedstore and get him a friend.

 

[Amiga]

Yes, with single ducks from what I have seen here on the forums, you either need to have a life circumstance that allows you to be his or her constant companion (nice work, if you can get it, in my opinion), or the duck needs a duck buddy or five.

Short term, an unbreakable mirror and stuffed toy can help. Depends on the duck.

 

[Going Quackers]

Yes, with single ducks from what I have seen here on the forums, you either need to have a life circumstance that allows you to be his or her constant companion (nice work, if you can get it, in my opinion), or the duck needs a duck buddy or five.

Short term, an unbreakable mirror and stuffed toy can help. Depends on the duck.

Agreed. Ducks do better with more it will not de-tame them a common concern people have, i have 4 right now being raised by me, 2 were bought sadly two prematurely hatched from my June hatch of scovies, so mama has half the clutch i have the other, all 4 eat out of my hand and surround me like dogs lol

 

[sandratablita]

That's funny you said that, my 5 year daughter thought he needed a friend and put her long mirror in with him and he hasn't moved from in front of it!

 

[sandratablita]

The duck follows my daughter everywhere she goes, outside. It actually followed her inside the house and I don't want duck poop in my carpet so it went back in the tub for the night. I also went to the feed store but they aren't getting any more ducks or chicks. My giant dog is fond of the duckling but the duck doesn't like her. I'm just playing it by ear, thankyou for all the helpful hints and comments!