Problem with loneliness

[MadiLarson]

I got a four day old duck yesterday and I'll have to admit it was an impulse buy. I had my mom convinced yesterday and everything was fine and dandy with our new duck. We got him a great house, everything he needs to be happy, but he's not. I read late last night (I was up with him until three because he wouldn't sleep) that he's lonely and scared and needs a friend. Well, he's imprinted on me and follows me around and freaks out if he can't see me and I do love him to death, but I cannot spend every minute by his side! My mom refuses to get another duck, insisting "he'll be fine" "he just needs to get used to his surrondings" and "you have to ignore him or he won't learn". She doesn't understand he's not a human baby, he's a duckling. I'm not giving him up and I just don't know how to make him feel less lonely. I already have a small mirror and a stuffed animal in his tub.

 

[Going Quackers]

Well your right, it does, ducks are flock animals and to raise one singularly is one tough job more demanding than most can accommodate.

I would look through the care of duckling sticky

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[seashoreduck]

Ducks need ducks to be mentally healthy. He will be very unhappy without you or another duck. And ducks can live up to 12 years.

 

[tattoosbyheidi]

I have a single duck.he does just fine.my trick was bringing him in the room with me at night for the 1st couple weeks,and when im not home,his babysitter is a cockatiel. He talks to him(mimics his chirps) and hangs out with him outside. When i come out and cuddle he still loves me,and he hardly peeps at all now.the week was pretty sleepless lol. I kept him on my bed and he slept next to my head or cuddled on my neck.youll need alot of towels ,because he will poop every half hour,and every 2hrs id put him in a small nightstand cage so he could eat and drink. Lots of work but worth it!

 

[MadiLarson]

He sleeps next to me in the living room in his crate, usually with my hand in the crate with him. He doesn't cheep as long as he sees me, but it's getting better. I don't know how he'll do in a few weeks when he's moved outside though.

 

[RoosterThigh]

He sleeps next to me in the living room in his crate, usually with my hand in the crate with him. He doesn't cheep as long as he sees me, but it's getting better. I don't know how he'll do in a few weeks when he's moved outside though.

He will not do well at all being by himself outside. He really needs a female duck to be around. Not only will he be separated from you but he won't have any other ducks to be around and they have to have that. Maybe you could print some duck facts for your mom to read?

 

[Nebraskagirl]

It doesn't matter if you get him a male or female (are you sure you have a drake?) but your duckling does need a buddy. They are social creatures and prey animals so they need another to feel safe and also the social aspect of it. Personally I don't see how having a duck sleep with you is good for the duck or you. Like I have said before, ducks are not like cats and dogs in regards to being a pet. They are ducks. Ducks are waterfowl and ducks are prey animals and are designed to forage, explore, get muddy, swim, and BE a duck with AT LEAST ANOTHER duck, if not more. They are happiest outside, (which is why they are designed down feathers, webbed feet, a bill and such.)

 

[MadiLarson]

He just turned a week old today, that's why he's still inside. He's not going outside until he's at least three weeks old.

 

[Nebraskagirl]

He just turned a week old today, that's why he's still inside. He's not going outside until he's at least three weeks old.

I wouldn't put him/her outside until they are fully feathered out, which takes longer than three weeks. Do you have a brooder box? They are very simple to make, you don't have to spend a lot of money to build one.

 

[MadiLarson]

Yes, that's what he lives in now.