pecking order

[jessa2723]

Hello all. I'm new to raising ducks. I have two that are six days old and one that is two days old. My older two (charlotte and sheldon) have been aggressively pecking at the little one (beasly). I've had to separate beasly from the other two till he was on his feet. They have gotten better in the past 24hrs but I'm still having to keep a close eye on them. Any suggestions as to why they are being aggresive and what I can do to stop it. Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

Yes, one of the things I don't like about ducks and ducklings is that they can be so rude to new acquaintances.

You are right to watch, and need to keep beasly separated from the others till he is as big as they are. Dividing the brooder with plastic poultry fence or similar material, so they can see each other but not touch each other, is probably best.

Give them supervised together time and intervene if it goes beyond a little shoving. Feed them treats at the same time, so they associate positive things with being together. Eventually it should sort itself out.

Every now and then, it becomes really tricky, but I think from this age you should do okay.

Another wrinkle is sexual maturity, and if you have two drakes and a duck, someone needs to find a new home, or you need more girls.

 

[jessa2723]

Thanks for the suggestions! They had some outside time today and were fine and they are ok while they're eating. Its mostly when things are quiet. From some behaviors I've observed I do believe I have two males, lol and I'm pretty sure we've named them appropriately!

 

[Amiga]

So, before they reach adulthood and harm the female, I think you need to decide how you are going to protect her. Enjoy them, they can be such fun! But when they reach sexual maturity, behaviors change. They can be managed, though, so it's not all difficulty.

 

[jessa2723]

This isn't something I had contemplated, great to know. Thanks!

 

[Frank Phinster]

It is usually impossible to tell the sexes apart by behaviour at such a young age since hormons have not kicked in yet what makes ducklings somewhat asexual in matters of behaviour.
At least I have always been clueless until the first real differences in plumage, voice and size began to show at the age of 6-8 weeks.

What breed do you have?

 

[jessa2723]

Magpies

 

[Amiga]

Magpies