Quarantine???

[Lighthear]

I'm new to raising ducks. I have a 4 month old male , runner, Willie. He lost his mate/sister, Martina on Sunday (sudden death). So now he is alone trying to fit in with my flock of 6 wyandotte hens. I desperately want to get him a friend ( runner female would be preferable, but am more interested in a new duck friend,ASAP) My question is about quarantining a new duck. All my learning is online or Storey's guide and I read that any new bird I bring in from an outside source I should quarantine. If the bird looks healthy and the seller attests to it's health, is it still necessary to quarantine? if so, for how long? I am an inpatient woman and want my Willie to have an new duck friend right now. yesterday was a rainy day here, perfect duck weather, Willie used to love running around and playing in the pool with Martina when it was raining, but now that she's gone he spent the day in the barn with the chickens. his pool was in the least bit dirty, totally clear water, how sad!
What about breeds, are there any breeds I should avoid or that wouldn't thrive in Wisconsin winters?
Terri

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
How do you value your chickens? If you do get another duck you can probably stick Willie in with the new duck right away. Ducks generally have better disease resistance than chickens so they can appear disease free and still carry in something that could make your chickens sick or even kill them. They are your birds and it is up to you to choose. If they were my birds the ducks would remain in quarantine for at least two weeks. That gives them time to realize that they are at a new home and time to show any sign of disease if they have one.

 

[Lighthear]

I love my chickens as much as I do Willie. didn't know chickens can catch diseases from ducks. thanks for the info, I think I'll keep whatever new duck I get away from my chickens for at least 2 weeks.
Terri