Rescue duck help

[heatherlaw]

Oh, and he seems very thin. Are ducks normally leaner than chickens or should I fatten him up a bit. Food will always be available but I could supplement some extra fat and protein if he needs it.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

If you have a dog crate or can make a run for them and confine them in it for a week or two should help them realize this is home now

 

[heatherlaw]

If you have a dog crate or can make a run for them and confine them in it for a week or two should help them realize this is home now

Ok I will do that. I have a large wire dog crate that should work

 

[chickens really]

View attachment 1208055 Hey guys! I have been wanting to get ducks for a while now but just got hubby to agree. Long story short I ended up rescuing a black east india duck. I’m 80% sure its a male (I wanted females because I have chickens and have heard the drakes can hurt them). I know chickens pretty well but don’t have enough experience with ducks to tell gender for sure. I have a few questions and since this community is so awesome I was hoping someone could help me out.

1) drake or duck? Terrible pic I know but he/she is freaked out and thats the best I could do today.
2) its leg is, I believe, permanently indented by the string but I don’t see a limp. Is there anything I should do or just don’t worry about it?
3) should I be worried about injuries to my hens if it is a male?
4) any special tips for a chicken lady with limited duck experience?

More info:
I have a kiddie pool set up and a deep feed dish with your standard layer pellets. Sleeping quarters are in the lower section of my chicken coop with my silkies who don’t roost either. I hope that will be ok. He/she will have the run of the yard with my silkies. Predators are not an issue. I live in the middle of town and the most threatening thing I have seen in 3 years is my neighbors cat who is terrified of my chickens, and for good reason
Thats it I think. Thanks!

Hello....Too big to be a pure East Indie...
The string should not of caused an issue if he walks fine...
It's a Drake..Could be an issue once his hormones get higher During breeding season..Drakes will breed anything..Rubber boots etc..Might need to separate from Chickens..Glad your getting a Hen, although one might not be enough..As a rule start with two Hens and add if needed?

 

[heatherlaw]

Ok guys, please tell me this is a female I think I got it right this time

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

IDK but beautiful nonetheless

 

[Miss Lydia]

Any idea age?

I don't see a curled tail feather.

Gorgeous!

 

[heatherlaw]

I was told one year old. No curly tail feathers and a much smaller body. Her head is iridescent but not as much as the drake. The girl I got her from showed them this year but didn’t really want ducks so she was selling them. This was the only one I saw that looked female

 

[Ravynscroft]

View attachment 1208486 View attachment 1208487 Ok guys, please tell me this is a female I think I got it right this time

Does she quack very loud? That's the sure way to tell gender, males have a quieter, raspy whaaap-whaaap-whaaap call and females quack full out and loud...

If you aren't sure the difference, listen to these and compare...

http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/artquacks.htm

 

[heatherlaw]

Oh shes loud. She sure let me know that she doesn’t appreciate the change or me