Re-homed girls, now distraught. Did I make a mistake

[Debby Duck]

I'll begin by saying sorry for the length, but there was so much information to share in order to know what happened.

We re-homed our 2 girls yesterday, out of 6 white crested, but I don't feel like I did right by them. And after all that was there reason to re-home them. I'm wanting to ask if I can take them back, but I might be too emotional about this. So I'd appreciate any thoughts.

They went to a family who wanted 2 female pekins for their small family farm. They seem very nice and responsible. They separate the younger ducks from older ones, and that's the group my girls were supposed to go with for now, they are 16 weeks. But when put in there my girls reacted so erratic, picking on another specific duck, being mean. They escaped into the other pen, but I think they just wanted to escape period.

In this pen, with my 2, there are now 3 girls 3 boys, all Pekin except mine. One of the drakes immediately tried to start mating with one, but she got away. My girls started fighting with each other and I have never, ever seen them do that. They never fought with my boys either. They've never been around other ducks before that they couldn't get away from in my yard and on the lake. And the boys never tried to mate them.

I'm just distraught. A pekin had already nipped at the crest before we left. I was supposed to be doing what's right for them and I don't feel like that at all. They enjoyed a peaceful idyllic life on my lake with their siblings. So I cried all day yesterday.

The family has been communicating with me, sent me pictures and video. They have 3 young daughters who help out and loved the girls when they saw them. So I know they are watched, and she said the drakes aren't trying to mate them now, and my girls aren't fighting. But they were still mean to the other duck on the younger side so couldn't go there.

I don't know what happens at night tho or when no one is watching. I know I can't expect them to say yes, but I'm wanting to ask for them back. My ducks never fought with each other. They never behaved like this. Maybe I needed to let them get older, or maybe there will never be a problem. I rushed into it, afraid things would go bad and I don't have the space to deal with it. I figured they have that, they're responsible, and have a lot of eyes available to watch.

I'm so heartbroken that they are out of their element, might get hurt with their crest, and are getting mated. I just don't know if there will be a home that would be drake free for them where they'll be cared for.

Should I calm down or try to get them back? I made such a mistake getting a straight run. I can't believe I didn't come across this critical caution before doing it. But then knowing now what I do about the breed, I don't think I'd have gotten them at all and contributed to the market for them. Obviously I didn't do enough research, so this is all on me. And I just keep waiting for the phone to ring to tell me it's not going well so I can rush out to get them and do whatever I have to, to keep them safe.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I'll begin by saying sorry for the length, but there was so much information to share in order to know what happened.

We re-homed our 2 girls yesterday, out of 6 white crested, but I don't feel like I did right by them. And after all that was there reason to re-home them. I'm wanting to ask if I can take them back, but I might be too emotional about this. So I'd appreciate any thoughts.

They went to a family who wanted 2 female pekins for their small family farm. They seem very nice and responsible. They separate the younger ducks from older ones, and that's the group my girls were supposed to go with for now, they are 16 weeks. But when put in there my girls reacted so erratic, picking on another specific duck, being mean. They escaped into the other pen, but I think they just wanted to escape period.

In this pen, with my 2, there are now 3 girls 3 boys, all Pekin except mine. One of the drakes immediately tried to start mating with one, but she got away. My girls started fighting with each other and I have never, ever seen them do that. They never fought with my boys either. They've never been around other ducks before that they couldn't get away from in my yard and on the lake. And the boys never tried to mate them.

I'm just distraught. A pekin had already nipped at the crest before we left. I was supposed to be doing what's right for them and I don't feel like that at all. They enjoyed a peaceful idyllic life on my lake with their siblings. So I cried all day yesterday.

The family has been communicating with me, sent me pictures and video. They have 3 young daughters who help out and loved the girls when they saw them. So I know they are watched, and she said the drakes aren't trying to mate them now, and my girls aren't fighting. But they were still mean to the other duck on the younger side so couldn't go there.

I don't know what happens at night tho or when no one is watching. I know I can't expect them to say yes, but I'm wanting to ask for them back. My ducks never fought with each other. They never behaved like this. Maybe I needed to let them get older, or maybe there will never be a problem. I rushed into it, afraid things would go bad and I don't have the space to deal with it. I figured they have that, they're responsible, and have a lot of eyes available to watch.

I'm so heartbroken that they are out of their element, might get hurt with their crest, and are getting mated. I just don't know if there will be a home that would be drake free for them where they'll be cared for.

Should I calm down or try to get them back? I made such a mistake getting a straight run. I can't believe I didn't come across this critical caution before doing it. But then knowing now what I do about the breed, I don't think I'd have gotten them at all and contributed to the market for them. Obviously I didn't do enough research, so this is all on me. And I just keep waiting for the phone to ring to tell me it's not going well so I can rush out to get them and do whatever I have to, to keep them safe.

Anytime you introduce new ducks to a flock the pecking order is re-established. That's what they are seeing with the "fighting" and even the mating can be used as a sign of dominance. The reason yours all got along is because I'm assuming they were raised together? If so their reaction being put with the other ducks is normal duck behavior. Unless they are being injured or injuring other ducks they are just simply doing what ducks do. I'll be blunt and say I think it would be rude to straight up ask for them back. However, if you phrased it like "Well if they are causing too much trouble you can always bring them back" it wouldn't cause an issue.

 

[azygous]

I can understand your second thoughts and misgivings. It's natural. You want what's best for these critters you raised. However, they are now the property of the people who have them now.

What you can do, and no more, is to let the people know that you are willing to take them back if they feel things are not working out.

 

[ajohn151]

That can be a really tough decision for sure to make. I can tell you that all sounds like normal duck behavior when blending ducks from different flocks, at least in my limited experience. There are very experienced duck owners here that will have opinions as well. I can just about guarantee they will all be integrated and a happy flock in a very short time. It sounds like the new family is doing everything correctly by segregating by maturity.

We rehomed 2 pekins this weekend as well, and I completely understand the sadness that comes with it. We got these 2 pekins when they were 3 weeks old, one drake and one duck. The duck was niacin deficient and had some additional unidentified problems. We worked very hard to help her and we were very successful in helping her recover a lot. I think she will have issues for her entire life but she will definitely have as full a life as possible. In helping her recover we got VERY attached to these 2 pekins. We found a home where the lady wants to continue to work with her and will have them as pets. Even though I know they are going to a good home Im sad and second guessing as well. I get it.

I can't tell you if you should ask for them back or not. That is your decision. I would caution you against doing that, but it is your decision. I honestly feel they will be fine. Ducks have a pecking order. When new ducks are introduced to a flock the current pecking order is thrown into flux, and there will be erratic behavior until they reestablish a new pecking order. Your girls squabbling in the new environment makes sense to me as well. They were stressed and just acting out with each other. Good luck and I hope this helps. I know it wont make you instantly feel better but from your description it truly sounds like they will be fine. Maybe ask to visit them in a week or so? I am willing to bet you will see them happy and engrained in the new flock.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

that’s a bad ratio. you should have all drakes, all hens, or a 2+ hen to drake ratio. adding the part where they are crested will just put your girls at serious risk of dying. are your other 4 drakes?

 

[cheezenkwackers]

that’s a bad ratio. you should have all drakes, all hens, or a 2+ hen to drake ratio. adding the part where they are crested will just put your girls at serious risk of dying. are your other 4 drakes?

Yes, her other 4 are drakes. You might recall because you suggested she find a new home for her girls. https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-on-white-crested-ducks.1415906/post-23258227

Debbie Duck, the first day of kindergarten can be terrifying for some children and they cry and act out. Still, it is in their best interest to stay at school. In the same way your young girls were afraid in a new situation. I think they will figure it out and be fine. Maybe you just need a visit to see that.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

best thing to do would be to keep the four drakes of your, and get the girls back temporarily. find them a new home where they can be with just each other or only other girls

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You can always offer to take them back if they cause too much trpuble, but don't ask for them back. I understand what you're feeling thpugh. I feel the same worries every time one of my favorites has to go somewhere else

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

oh just thought of this. could you offer to take their drakes? and introduce them to your only drake flock. that way the boys won’t fight over girls and your girls are safe

 

[KaleIAm]

I understand the second guessing your decision. It is a very emotional situation. I would be crying and feeling the same way. But after you left the ducks aren't yours. Technically you can ask for them back. But if you do get them back you'll be in the same position you were, and the girls will have another stressful adjustment.

Like others are saying it is natural for ducks to peck at each other while figuring out their dominance. It is heartbreaking for us to watch though.

While I wouldn't be worried about the squabbling, I would be worried about the mating. I think I don't understand from your post how many males are in with how many females. Am I reading correctly 3 girls and 3 boys? Since my crested pekin was permanently injured by mating I'm very cautious about this situation. Are they planning on separating by gender? Maybe you can give them some guidance on this.