Pecking

[duckking]

My 3 day old mallard duck Price was very sad being alone so we got her a friend. we got her a 3 day old rouen (we don't know what sex). they get along very well except price keeps pecking at soap (the rouen). we think its because soap has a niacin deficiency. Does anyone know another reason price is always pecking at soap.

 

[duckluv]

Maybe establishing the pecking order?

 

[katharinad]

This may be to establish who is in charge. It will stop eventually. Birds tend to pick on those birds that don't appear to be normal. In your case I think Prince is only showing who is boss. Its normal.

 

[jrobertson]

i have seen several occasions where young waterfowl will preen one individual over and over and in a cage with several, it can be a problem. they will usually nibble at the back of the victim to the point of bring blood.i would seperate them if it doesn't stop after a few days.

 

[duckking]

we don't want to seperate them because the like each other. When they sleep they booth snuggle up together.

 

[Snakeman]

I've brooded several ducks in the last year and a half and there are always the ones that peck a little. If nobody is actually getting hurt, I wouldn't worry about it.