Separating baby ducks

[Arches00]

Hi! We are raising some baby ducks at the moment for the first time. One of them is to be added to a different household (already with other poultry) as soon as it’s ready. However the poor thing carries in whenever it’s seperated from its siblings. They have been with me since day 1 and are great with me (follow me around the house). They are now only 5 days old. When do I seperate this duckling for his new home? When do they get attached to thier ‘siblings’ and will they make friends fine when they are moved? Thanks for your help

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's always best to keep 2 together. They bond generally in the first few days. I would never Sen just one off to a new home.

 

[Arches00]

It's always best to keep 2 together. They bond generally in the first few days. I would never Sen just one off to a new home.

Thanks. So will they not make friends with other ducks and chickens at all? Sorry, just curious as this is our first time raising ducks.

 

[MagpieDucks]

He may bond with the new friends, but sending 2 is your best option.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks. So will they not make friends with other ducks and chickens at all? Sorry, just curious as this is our first time raising ducks.

For the most part bonding in poultry is done with clutch mates. It happens in the first few days after hatching. A single duckling can be put with other young ducklings and it may bond with them, but it won't with anything much older than it. Generally birds raised together stay together.

@chickens really

 

[chickens really]

I never sell single Ducklings...Its not fair to them..I require people to buy 2 or 3 when they buy any from me...The Duckling will get very stressed...

 

[chickens really]

Also...Do not separate the two till owners are picking them up..Contact the people and let them know that you won't sell single Ducklings..I sell Ducklings as soon as I know they are eating and drinking fine on their own...I usually sell at 3 days old..I have a return policy also that I take them back if things get to hard...
Best wishes...