- Oct 23, 2012
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Here's the story: We have had 5 young ducks (about 12 weeks) old in a pen by our pond for 2 weeks now. There are 7 adult ducks on the pond that are not in a pen. This morning, when I went down to feed the young ducks, all 5 were gone. One was dead at the scene, but the others were just gone. I figured the Pekin was a goner because I saw a lot of her feathters.
Later this afternoon, we went back down to the pond and lo! and behold! one of the young ducks (the black runner duck) was back in its pen (still not sure how that happened!)
Me, thinking it might be safer on the water, put it on the pond and in 5 minutes, the other ducks had killed it on the water. We thought at first the males (3 of them) were trying to establish dominance, and then it crosseed my mind maybe they were mating (or trying). In any event, they have never KILLLED another duck and we introduce new ducks to the pond all the time . . .
Can anyone explain this to me? I have three baby ducks I hatched from eggs I found around the pond and in about 3 months they'll be ready for the water. Now I'm nervous about when it comes times to turn them out on the pond!!
Thanks!
Later this afternoon, we went back down to the pond and lo! and behold! one of the young ducks (the black runner duck) was back in its pen (still not sure how that happened!)
Me, thinking it might be safer on the water, put it on the pond and in 5 minutes, the other ducks had killed it on the water. We thought at first the males (3 of them) were trying to establish dominance, and then it crosseed my mind maybe they were mating (or trying). In any event, they have never KILLLED another duck and we introduce new ducks to the pond all the time . . .
Can anyone explain this to me? I have three baby ducks I hatched from eggs I found around the pond and in about 3 months they'll be ready for the water. Now I'm nervous about when it comes times to turn them out on the pond!!
Thanks!