I have a behavior question.
I have 5 ducklings (7 weeks old) that we are trying to introduce to our 2 older Pekin hens. All of the ducks and ducklings are free range during the day and are put up at night. Since the babies are fully feathered I have been keeping them in the enclosure with the older ducks. My husband built a divider that is about 2 feet tall that is made out of chicken wire. I put this down the middle of our 10 x 10 enclosure to keep the ducklings and adults separated. The other night ALL 7 ducks got together, the babies ran up to the adults and rubbed their beaks and head under the bill of the older duck, kinda like a caress, Has anyone ever seen this? Three of the ducklings were doing this to the adults.
Second question, how long do they need to be exposed to each other before you let them be together permanently, they are together all day long foraging. The babies follow the adults all over the place, much to the adult's dismay! I haven't seen any aggression from the adults but I have seen a little (mainly in the beginning) aggression from the ducklings toward the adults.
Thanks in advance!