Transition to outside

[Tia Z.]

My duck is about 5-6 weeks old, not fully feathered yet, still peeps, and is not big enough to go outside without fear of being swooped up by a cat or hawk. HOWEVER, I can tell that time is soon coming and that it will have to go outside and be happy in a natural environment. So, when that time comes, what's the best way to transition it to the outside? Will it freak out that first night or will it quickly acclamate to it's new surroundings. Do i just throw it out there one day? That doesn't seem right. I have a dog run and house for it to be in. Should I lock it in there for a few days? Suggestions please! I love my little lady mallard and want to make sure she's happy.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Taking her out into her pen during the day and bringing her back in at night for a while will hepl her get used to her new home.

 

[tia]

Does she have any company.... another duck???

 

[MysticalMom]

She needs company.

 

[Tia Z.]

I know

There was only one left at the feed store since it was right before Easter. By the time they got more, my duck was too big. We have three chickens who don't seem to friendly with the duck. Maybe eventually. My plan was to raise this one until full grown and then get another few. From what I read, raising ducks at two different ages could be bad for the younger/littler one so I opted to wait. Maybe I shouldn't wait?

 

[duckyfromoz]

Maybe now that your little one is ready to go outside- it would be a good time make enquiries about where to get some more - that way as soon as your little one is outside for good -you can get the new ones before the brooders gets cleaned out and put away. I have at times just kept one duck at a time-But they are always happier to have some company.

 

[artsyrobin]

Tia Z. :

I know

There was only one left at the feed store since it was right before Easter. By the time they got more, my duck was too big. We have three chickens who don't seem to friendly with the duck. Maybe eventually. My plan was to raise this one until full grown and then get another few. From what I read, raising ducks at two different ages could be bad for the younger/littler one so I opted to wait. Maybe I shouldn't wait?

what about checking the duck rescue sites? i can post links or pm me- not sure if that would fall under the category of external links?​

 

[Tia Z.]

Thanks everyone! You've got me to be proactive about getting a few friends. I found someone on Craigslist with ducks roughly the same age so this should be good. Will call today.

 

[Tia Z.]

So I got two Muscovies, a little younger than my mallard but the same size if not bigger. Help! How long until they're friends? The two muscovies are picking on my sweet mallard

I've separated them for the night and I'm going to give it a few days but if it doesn't work out, the muscovies are going to a new home.

 

[SDChef]

why not divide your outdoor pen? One side for your Mallard and the Muskies on the other side. Over time they will get used to each other and than you can slowly let them hang out, under your supervision of course. I had the same problem when I got my chickens, they didn't get along AT ALL! I thought I would wake up to a flock of mangled birds but sure enough every day got better! Probably better to keep them separate but close together for now though. Good job getting your Mallard some friends, eventually they will all be best buddies i'm sure!