When can we add the new ducks?

[sdsmowen]

We have (3) 4 1/2 month old Pekins and (2) 3 week olds what is the best option for introducing the new ducks (after they feather of course) will the older ducks be receptive to the new ones?

 

[Miss Lydia]

We have (3) 4 1/2 month old Pekins and (2) 3 week olds what is the best option for introducing the new ducks (after they feather of course) will the older ducks be receptive to the new ones?

You'll need to do it slowly, make it so they can be together but apart by using some kind of temp. fencing then sit and watch to make sure the older ducks don't try to grab the babies through the fence, it may take a week or longer, or it may only take a few days till you can start giving them some time together while offering treats so they are focusing on eating more than each other, Soon they will be 1 flock it just takes time so that your older ducks aren't looking at your new ones as intruders. Good luck and enjoy.They grow up so fast.

 

[HauiBali]

We had two (one drake one duck, runner-mallard hybrids) who barely finished their first set of full feathers when we bought another three thoroughbred runner ducks to meet the (quite possible) needs of our drake, and of course ours about eggs. The new susies have a variety in age, one is a year old (as so the seller told), one is 2 months and 1 is one month old.

Our old two accepted the new ones without any problems - they were introduced in the time when our ducks sleep, at about 11pm. So they slept together first. Next morning as they all released from the pen our "first" duck showed some little picking for about 5-10 minutes when the new flock-members entered the little lake, but it was only symbolic. In the afternoon all were released from their fenced yard to the big garden, and the first two were happy to show the features and favorite places to the new ducks. In the evening they walked to their night house in total harmony. Also, I noticed that ducks are smarter and less skittish if there is more of them. I hope you are lucky to have birds without dramatic nature.

 

[larkflying]

I used a portable puppy fence and put the new ducks into a spot where they had shade and food and water and all the ducks could see each other through the fence. A couple of my more bossy females tried to start something through the fence but soon gave up. As soon as I felt the new ducks seemed comfortable with the new environment and the older ducks were pretty much leaving them alone, I let them out. The length of time varied -- the 5 three month olds took longer in the separated area than the 3 3-year-olds. The older ducks were much calmer and adjusted to things quickly - plus they didn't care about the dominant ducks so much.

It is much easier than chickens -- just be prepared for a certain amount of picking on by the older ducks but as long as they aren't overzealous the new ones should be fine. I should also say at the time I introduced both groups I had no mature drakes, so I'm not sure if that would make a difference with young ones or not.