I am very new to raising any kind of backyard birds, and have a few weird (and probably ridiculous) questions about ducks. I have 8 chicks who are all 5 weeks old. They are friendly, like people, and are easily handled. Seven of them get along with one another great. However, I have one chick that is not accepted by the others (she does not seem to be accepted by any chicks (we had a few other chicks we gave away), and gets pecked whenever she is in with them). We have one large coop that is built into the barn and do not want to build another coop for this one chicken. I've always wanted a duck, and thought I would get my lonely chick a duck companion. I have many posts about a lone duck living with a flock of chickens, so I hope having one duck won't be an issue since it will be with the other birds. The reason I would like to get a duck (I am planning to purchase a rouen) is that it will be bigger than the chicks of the same age, and they will therefore be unlikely to peck it. Also, if I get it used to the lone chick first, my hope is that it will then become a protector of sorts to that chick when the times comes to put all of the chickens into the same coop (the chickens and duck will be free range during the day).
Will the duck be okay for a few weeks with only one chick?
Will the other chicks try to peck the duck even if it is bigger than they are?
Will the duck try to harm the chicks?
If the duck turns out to be a drake, will he try to mate with my hens?
And, if it is a female, will my one rooster try to mate with her?
Thanks!
Will the duck be okay for a few weeks with only one chick?
Will the other chicks try to peck the duck even if it is bigger than they are?
Will the duck try to harm the chicks?
If the duck turns out to be a drake, will he try to mate with my hens?
And, if it is a female, will my one rooster try to mate with her?
Thanks!
