Should ducks have a friend?

[twixerella]

I was thinking of purchasing a duckling because i've always wanted one. Because of the mess I was just gogin to get one, but then i got to thinking that maybe they need a friend. I'm hatching chickens right now so i wondered if a duckling could befriend them or if it needs one of its own kind.

 

[headred]

Yep, get a buddy at least!

 

[Stormdog]

Short answer... YES!

I bought 2 ducklings for my grand-daughter this past easter... a mallard & a pekin. Both were about 3 days old when I got them.

I was told they would "imprint" on me... that is, see me as "Mom". This did not happen. They seem to have imprinted on each other! They are never more than about 2 feet apart... They follow each other everywhere... One swims, they both swim. Neither seems to be the "leader"... It's as if they get ideas from each other as to what they are supposed to do!

Based on my experience, I cannot imagine my ducks would be happy without a constant companion... specifically, another duckling!

I advise you to get 2 ducklings & watch them interact. (Soon after I got mine, Michelle Obama wore J Crew clothes at several public events. Stores sold out of J Crew clothes as women sought to copy Ms Obama.)

Watch your ducklings... It's not hard to imagine them discussing similar important current events and acting accordingly. (Ooo! Ooo! I want a drink. Do you want a drink?... Yes I do want a drink, do you think its a good idea? Oh yes I do... Let's get a drink!... Ooo! Ooo! Let's go over there! Do you think we should go over there? Oh yes, we MUST go over there! Should we eat on the way? Oh yes, let's eat on the way! Do you want another drink now? Ooo! Oooo! I MUST have a drink now! How about you? Oh yes I MUST have a drink too! Ooo! Ooo! North Korea had a missile test! Do you think this is bad? Ooo!Ooo! Very bad, very bad! Ooo! Ooo! I found a worm! Did you find a worm?)

And so on... You get the idea... Their interaction is VERY entertaining, if you can imagine their conversations! Gotta give them someone to talk to!