Success!

[Barngirl1790]

Finally, after endless hours of searching online, and asking around the local feed stores - I have found a mate for my dear PipSqueak!

I was hoping for a hen, but I stumbled across a drake that’s about a year old.
Now as usual I have a few questions, and y’all always seem to have the best advice so here it goes…

First, should I wait for a hen? I’m sure if I hold out another week or two I might find one. PipSqueak has been louder with her quakes since Mr.Ducksworth’s passing, but other than that I haven’t noticed a change in her behavior. I’m not to keen on ducklings at the moment so I won’t be too sad without a drake.
My only concern is that I have read ducks do better in pairs, or in a group, so could she be lonely and I just don’t realize it

Second, if I do take the drake how would I go about introducing him to her? Is it as easy as putting him in with her and hoping for the best, or are there steps I need to take before hand?

 

[Miss Lydia]

He may be more than you bargin for drakes can really over abuse one female. So if you decide on a drake please keep looking for another female to go with them. To introduce keep them in separate fenced in areas so they can meet with out him attacking her for sex right off. Maybe up to a week. Then try them out together. Don’t get me wrong I love drakes and believe they have a place in a flock but putting a year old drake in his prime with a female alone just sends up red flags.

 

[Barngirl1790]

He may be more than you bargin for drakes can really over abuse one female. So if you decide on a drake please keep looking for another female to go with them. To introduce keep them in separate fenced in areas so they can meet with out him attacking her for sex right off. Maybe up to a week. Then try them out together. Don’t get me wrong I love drakes and believe they have a place in a flock but putting a year old drake in his prime with a female alone just sends up red flags.

Okay, thank you. Will waiting put any distress on PipSqueak, or will she be okay alone for a bit longer?
The drake was a mallard and the asking price was $20 - seemed steep so I’ve been hesitant to respond

 

[Miss Lydia]

If your spending time with her she should be okay just watch that she is eating because going off her feed could mean depression.