Question about lone duckling

[Helitorian]

I just lost one of my two baby rouens and my heart is breaking as I'm listening to the poor baby's cheeps. I called a guy off craigslist and tomorrow I'm gonna check out his flock. My baby is a week old and he's got one baby Cayuga that's the same age. I'm wondering if my baby will take to the other duckling and if he'll be safe if I get ducklings that are a week or two older than him. I've gotta get my duckling some friends quick. Thanks for the advice!

 

[ImprintedOn]

Best wishes on finding your baby a new buddy. Looking for a brooder mate for my 3 day old mallard. Those little cheeps are so heartbreaking! Wish I could tell you where to go. I'm in SC and it seems no one near me hatches ducklings past April. Considering having two shipped from Metzer Farms in CA if all else fails. Also doing some research to see if a chick would make a suitable companion...

 

[Helitorian]

Oh yes those little cheeps just really hit you in the heart. I've been frantically looking for some place that offers ducklings in my area and only just remembered that there's a small hatchery downtown! As soon as they open tomorrow, I'll be calling and have my fingers crossed that they'll have a few babies. If not, I still promised a guy a few towns over that I'd come get his Cayuga duckling.

I'm not 100% on this, but I'm not sure a chick would be good for a duckling. I'd be worried the duckling would muscle about that chick or the chick would peck the duckling. I'm sure one of the experienced owners will have something to say on it though.

 

[ImprintedOn]

Looked into it. Not a good match. Though a few select people seem to have had a good outcome, I'm not chancing this little fella getting pecked. If you have a hand mirror to put in the brooder for the night, you may notice a significant decrease in chirps. Working well over here so far. He's fast asleep next to his mirror now. Off to continue my duckling search. Best wishes!

 

[desertdarlene]

If the Cayuga is the same age, they might get along. Introduce them slowly and supervise them to see of they get along. A duckling would be a better choice than a chick, but a chick is better than nothing.

 

[katiebducks]

I had something similar happen about 10 days ago, but was left with one 3 wk old Pekin and one adult mallard. It does seem like everything is working out. Martin, our Pekin, spends a lot of time with me, both inside and outside the house (even my husband will now take him in for a cuddle!) When outside, I try my best to give both ducks a lot of attention and frozen peas. Lucky, our mallard, is now becoming quite tame. When I got her she was with three chickens who were pecking her endlessly. We gave our chickens to another family and decided to focus on ducks. Needless to say, I haven't had great luck combining ducks and chickens, though I know others have. Good luck!

 

[Veronica1999]

I would suggest putting the baby duck in a shoe box or something bigger and fill it with cedar bedding. Put the box next to you at night. That worked perfectly when we brought our baby ducks from the feed store. They slept with us or my daughter with no problems. I would suggest to do it for two more weeks. They bond with humans quickly and will help the baby. Ours stopped crying the minute the saw us. Now they are adults and very close to us. I hope this helps.

 

[Helitorian]

Thanks for the mirror idea! I put one in this morning and he's been chirping happily and trying to get his reflection to go swimming ever since. I've called every place in my town that deals in poultry and everyone has chicks but no ducklings and the only place I can get some is from a big hatchery but I'd have to buy 15 at a time. I'm hoping the Cayuga owner has some other babies close to my baby's age that aren't Muscovys. From his Craigslist adds, it seems he breeds show poultry. I'm wondering if it'd be okay to get some ducklings that are a week or two older if I have to?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for the mirror idea! I put one in this morning and he's been chirping happily and trying to get his reflection to go swimming ever since. I've called every place in my town that deals in poultry and everyone has chicks but no ducklings and the only place I can get some is from a big hatchery but I'd have to buy 15 at a time. I'm hoping the Cayuga owner has some other babies close to my baby's age that aren't Muscovys. From his Craigslist adds, it seems he breeds show poultry. I'm wondering if it'd be okay to get some ducklings that are a week or two older if I have to?

It would work if you introduce slowly.
cedar bedding is not healthy for poultry the oils can cause respiratory problems.

 

[Helitorian]

It would work if you introduce slowly.

cedar bedding is not healthy for poultry the oils can cause respiratory problems.

Which is why I'm using pine. Cedar isn't good for parrots either and my girls are my first concern.