What to do if one of a pair passes away (Khaki Campbell)

[Lorielus]

Hi,

You might remember us posting a while back about a duck (Dagoo) with muscle spasms/seeming neurological issues. After a few vet visits we got her to an avian specialist today. The working theory (to be confirmed or otherwise by xray tomorrow) is that she has a displaced or malformed disk in her back that's been pressing on her spine and causing nerve damage, resulting in where she is now - unable to walk/swim properly and in a lot of distress.

While if confirmed we're going to see how she responds to a specialist anti-inflammatory treatment, the vet only holds a little hope that she's recover much use of her legs and we may need to consider putting her down.

So that's the context of this question - she's one of a pair (along with three chickens they roam with) - if the worst happens and we have to put her down, should we get another couple of khaki campbells as soon as possible to keep our remaining girl company, or should we wait a while and give her space to get used to the absence?

If we do get a couple more (or maybe three for an even number) is there anything we should do/look out for in terms of introductions and pecking order when it comes to ducks to ensure they accept each other?

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

You definitely should get her a duck friend. I had a single for a while and she was so happy to get a new friend.

 

[Miss Lydia]

3 would even be better. Very sorry about your little duck I hope the new meds help

 

[11mini]

Wow, this is total Deja-Vu. One of my two Khaki's was found dead in the pond a few months ago. I also have three chickens and they are all kept together. The remaining duck was upset for a few days (I had little sympathy since she was the murderer) but it was not overly dramatic. She did have the chickens to keep her company. The good news is ducks grow super fast I bought a Swedish and a Cayuga 7 weeks ago and they are basically full grown. They have been with the main flock for two weeks now. The Swedish is bigger than the Khaki (2yrs) and the Cayuga is just about the same size.

 

[11mini]

As far as pecking order went it was MUCH less brutal than introducing a new chicken. Mostly quacking and chest bumping but no real biting or real violence. The bully chicken got a few pecks in.

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks a lot all.

Is there any protocol worth following while introducing new ducks? I know with chickens it's an idea to keep them separate but close so they can get used to each other prior to letting them mingle - is there anything like that recommended for ducks, or will it be mild enough to just let them work it out themselves?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I do the separation for a few days then let everyone free range together never had much altercation at all. Best thing to do is introduce and see how it goes. Some will look at new members are intruders others could care less.

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I do look don't touch for a few days, then free range them together for a few days and coop separately at night. Usually after that all is well. When I had my single and got her a drake, I popped him right in immediately and it was love at first sight. My most recent experience was I had to separate them back out because they were ganging up on the new one. Long way of saying depends on the ducks. Just watch them and see.

 

[DuckyDonna]

You could also find that they integrate beautifully right away too. I've had to introduce 2 new ducks to my existing flock in December. They kept to themselves mostly all day and there was a little bit of chasing and bickering but when it came time to go to bed they all marched into the pen together. I was nervous and went out to check numerous times after locking them up and not a peep out of any of them. The same thing happened when I introduced a new drake into the flock in February. I know I was lucky and hopefully, you will be too!