Single chick with ducklings

[boxxofrox]

I had 6/6 chicks and ducklings brooding together; they were 10 weeks old. Just going out to free range with my established flock during the day, in a separate brooding coop/run at night. Early this morning we were hit by a fox and her kits (caught on trail cam) and lost 3 ducks and 5 chicks. Ugh, we’ve never been hit this hard before and we work so tirelessly to protect them. Now I have one lonely chick that is severely attached to the remaining ducklings but too young to go with my flock (they are chasing her off). I’m worried that it’s too cold for her without her siblings. The ducklings are happily out in the rain and she stays with them regardless instead of finding shelter alone. She is sleeping with them but not cuddling in for warmth. I feel terrible! Do I make her a house pet until she can go with the adult flock? Do I let her stay with the ducklings ? Help appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I had 6/6 chicks and ducklings brooding together; they were 10 weeks old. Just going out to free range with my established flock during the day, in a separate brooding coop/run at night. Early this morning we were hit by a fox and her kits (caught on trail cam) and lost 3 ducks and 5 chicks. Ugh, we’ve never been hit this hard before and we work so tirelessly to protect them. Now I have one lonely chick that is severely attached to the remaining ducklings but too young to go with my flock (they are chasing her off). I’m worried that it’s too cold for her without her siblings. The ducklings are happily out in the rain and she stays with them regardless instead of finding shelter alone. She is sleeping with them but not cuddling in for warmth. I feel terrible! Do I make her a house pet until she can go with the adult flock? Do I let her stay with the ducklings ? Help appreciated! Thank you!

That’s so sad! I’m really sorry about your flock losses. I’ve raised chickens and ducks together but I don’t know what’s best for your chick. How cold is it, night and day temps? If you think she’s cold, maybe you could put her in a crate in your garage at night, then back out in the morning? It does seem very traumatizing to take her from her flock after such a traumatic experience...

 

[The_BirdNerd]

I am very sorry about your chicks and ducklings, I once spent about an hour chasing a field mouse who was trying to get to my chickens (I didn’t catch it, typical). If the chick is so attached to the ducklings then I wouldn’t separate them, but they’re two different species that have different habits. I don’t know about you but seeing a chicken swim is out of the ordinary! What I mean to say is I would let the chick stay with the ducks but if it is possible put the chick where it can observe the older chickens, just so it can learn what they are doing for the future.

Apologies for the long paragraph, but I would wait until someone else replies for some more options!

 

[Chickassan]

Ten weeks is fairly big, despite horrific circumstances she should be fine to stay with the ducklings.
If it were my predicament i'd try to get a couple more chickens near her age, she can't be a duck forever.

 

[cheekychick3]

Hi, Sorry to hear your sad news, i am not sure of your set up, you have, but
thought would it be possible to buy 2 or 3 chicks same age as her. So that would
make her feel, she is not on her own. But of course you may not be able too, at the moment, considering where to keep them or even one would help her. Then you would not have the worry, of her wanting to be with your ducks, bless her. Plus it would help
you, because she would have company, and take her mind off what has occurred. She
probably feels safe being with your ducks, at the moment, but like you said, she does
not cuddle up to them, for warmth. She is still young and easily catch a cold, especially
outside in the rain. If you decide to buy one or more, for company for her, i would put
her in a dog crate, and keep her inside, until you get some. Just to make sure she is warm, and knows she is safe. You will feel better too until you sort things out. Hope
this helps, good luck.