The Duck Thread

[Kaessa]

Good Monday Everyone.

I had a flock of 4 (1 drake and 3 ducks,) that I got late last September. I purchased 6 more (1 drake & 5 ducks) early March. I put them next to each other for about 6 weeks after the little ones were 5 weeks old. About 10 days ago I tried putting them together hoping to form one flock. Sadly the older drake got so aggressive I thought it was best to give away him and his best girlfriend. Our vet had a very lonely Muskovy so I gave them to her. I couldn't have gotten rid of the other two ducks ... they are my favorites of the older group.
They hang together and the young Cayuga is now driving them off. The younger WH female started out chasing them off also but she's calmed down a bit. Do any of your have any ideas on how to get them all together? The older KC seems determined to join together but the older Pekin is a bit timid and gets afraid and leaves the group.
The group are a bit of a motely crew. The older two are a female KC and a Pekin. The younger group are a Pekin female, a female Cayuga, two female Runners and a female and male WH.

I still feel a bit guilty about getting rid of the drake and his girlfriend but I was afraid he'd get them in a corner and hurt them or hurt one of the younger girls. I'm sure the vet will give them a good home.

Any ideas or should I just be patient? Thanks.

Just be patient. My younger ducklings chased my two older girls all over the pen at first. It's been a few weeks, and while they're not "buddies", they're part of the flock and they all hang out together. The younger girls still boss them around a bit, but they don't seem to mind living together anymore.

 

[tupsylove]

I am feeding my little duckling dumor chick starter/grower. Tupsy seems to be healthy and growing well. I was wondering if a niacin supplement will need to be added. I love my Tupsy to death and I want him/her to be the most healthiest duck ever.

 

[WVduckchick]

that is cute. It is all on their own time. Hopefully tho you will know in the next week or so since youngins grow so quickly.

Good grief, they are 8 weeks now... I should know! LOL Again... they seem to like makin it rough on momma.

Ok, so here's Chibs bills to compare. The top two pics are a couple of weeks old, or older. The bottom two pics were taken yesterday and today. Definite difference, but would their bills turn like this just from being young or do you think its a female thing? Are these freckles?

 

[duckies1230]

Newest question, sorry I ask so many but how else will I get the answers

now charlie expands her wings all the time. Stands up and spreads them sticking out her chest. I've never even seen JoJo move a wing. There are only around 7 weeks but is that normal. He is very quiet and timid! I worry bout him so much. No episodes though so keep your fingers crossed!

 

[Kaessa]

I am feeding my little duckling dumor chick starter/grower. Tupsy seems to be healthy and growing well. I was wondering if a niacin supplement will need to be added. I love my Tupsy to death and I want him/her to be the most healthiest duck ever.

Yes. Dumor starter/grower doesn't have enough niacin for a growing duck. Grab some brewer's yeast, and add about 1 tablespoon per cup of food until they're about 10 weeks old.

 

[RedIII]

WVduckchick, I have no idea about the freckles, but those are cute!

Duckies1230, I think they're just feeling happy and contented Mine do that all the time.

Idk if thus is feasible for anyone else but I have my ducks/juvies kiddie pool out in the trees/garden so instead of trying to dump it I throw the hose in till it overflows clear which they looooove to splash in and the extra water flows into my trenches and waters the trees, and I have a similar set up for the geese but their poppy water flows into the swamp grass in their enclosure which keeps it nice and green and tall for good gosling cover =)

I have mine in a patch of oat grass that works pretty well as a sponge. I like the idea of using the water on my fruit trees, though.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good grief, they are 8 weeks now... I should know! LOL Again... they seem to like makin it rough on momma.

Ok, so here's Chibs bills to compare. The top two pics are a couple of weeks old, or older. The bottom two pics were taken yesterday and today. Definite difference, but would their bills turn like this just from being young or do you think its a female thing? Are these freckles?

Freckles??

 

[WVduckchick]

Freckles??

According to this link, the development of freckles could indicate female. http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/artquacks.htm
I thought this duck was male, but its bill seems to be getting more and more freckles.

 

[Miss Lydia]

According to this link, the development of freckles could indicate female. http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/artquacks.htm
I thought this duck was male, but its bill seems to be getting more and more freckles.

What made you think Drake? that is interesting about the females getting freckles neat way of determining sexes

 

[Julie Birb]

Newest question, sorry I ask so many but how else will I get the answers

now charlie expands her wings all the time. Stands up and spreads them sticking out her chest. I've never even seen JoJo move a wing. There are only around 7 weeks but is that normal. He is very quiet and timid! I worry bout him so much. No episodes though so keep your fingers crossed!

Oh, don't be sorry about asking. I can't offer any help since I don't own ducks but you have a ton of experienced and caring people on this site who can help. I am glad sweetie JoJo hasn't had any episodes. I wonder if his pace for development is just different than Charlie's? Does he eat okay?