Some general duck questions

[ltsite6]

In my own personal experience yes, but however, watch them for a while. If they pick on them too much it could cause problems. Normally, chickens especially, will do a few pecks here and there to new younger birds, but they quickly accept them normally. So just watch. And give them a little bit of time. They most likely are old enough to have little to no problems. I currently have 11 muscovy's, (about the same age as yours) living with some turkeys that are twice their size. At first the turkeys were very creeped out by the Ducks. But within a few hours they all run as a little flock. This is my own personal experience. I am pretty experienced with a diverse flock of species and age. And I would say you should be absolutely fine, just spend a little time watching your birds!

 

[pauleberly]

Ok we for there and she only had 3 outta the 10 left (she said I get her next clutch free)

One of them keeps bobbling its head. I gave it some poultry nutri-Drench and put a drop in its mouth.

It is drinking but not eating (neither is any of the others) any ideas?

 

[pauleberly]

This is what I gave them

 

[pauleberly]

The one is question is the dark one. He isn't bobbling his head much anymore, but kinda walking around like he's drunk. every now and then he like attacks the water like he is trying to bite it

 

[ltsite6]

Haha. Ducks bob their heads. Some do. Some don't. If their 3 or 4 weeks old and healthy and the same size as each other, then their probably all fine. And they will eat. Could be shy. Stressed. Overwhelmed. Birds don't fare well with change. When I get new birds I check them to make sure they seem healthy. Normally when I get new birds, (young or old) I set them up with what they need. Watch them for a bit, then leave them alone for some peace and quiet. It's always super exciting to have new birds. But!!! They are guaranteed to be stressed. I would let them be. Let them sleep. Let them go to their water. And eat. Alone. In peace and quiet. It's a big deal leaving their mother, and their structure. I doubt the one that didn't eat is sick. If it looms healthy, is peeping loudly, and is running around with vigor, then it is most likely completely fine!!! Don't stress to much! Let them adapt and take it SLOW. Birds take time. I got 2 geese a while ago and it took me 7 nights in a row going out to catch them and put them in the coop with everyone else before they finally started going in themselves. Like I said. Trust yourself, if they seem energetic strong and healthy. Then they will be fine. Ducks are super resistant to health problems.

 

[pauleberly]

Well it seemed to Bob it's head like it was drunk or in a concussion. It's seems a lot more normal now that it's been on the tub.

How often can / should I administer that medicine? I think it helped out te one a lot, like it was dehydrated or something

 

[ltsite6]

Ok just saw your pictures. I have NO EXPERIENCE with ducklings that young and water. Not saying it's bad but my ducklings don't get access to even swim until they are FULLY feathered. They can get cold. And they can drown quite easily so I've heard. They are probably fine. Umm, if those 3 are from the same hatch. And same mom and dad, and the picture isn't tricking me it looks like the dark one is HUGE compared to the other. If that's so, there's a decent chance you got a drake and 2 hens! And I wasn't saying the water was bad, or that it wasn't even good. I just haven't ever let young ducklings have access to any swimming water until fully feathered. But regardless. I would give them peace and quiet. Sleep and peace is a big thing for the health of newly acquired birds. I swear that some people have harmed and even killed newly acquired birds because they kept messing and worrying them. So. Just making sure you don't worry them to death! Haha.

 

[ltsite6]

A mama hen takes her ducklings swimming young, HOWEVER, ducklings that are naturally raised and around their mama are coated in her oils as well that make her nice and water resistant.

 

[pauleberly]

Ok. The blake bird and the bigger duckling are from the same clutch, the small one is from a week or two older . I am supervising them in the tub. I wanted them to hydrate up and clean themselves

And yes the Black one is a little bit bigger than the other one.

Now that medicine, and idea on when I can re administer? It does not say on bottle.

We are going to cage them inside for the night just to keep watch and then outside tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help ltsite

 

[pauleberly]

These were mother raised. I also feel like they are older than 3-4 weeks. I am by no means an expert (obviously lol)