Introducing new ducklings to adult duck

[SLTurner55555]

Due to a fox killing one of my two ducks, I am getting two baby ducks. I would like to know what would be the best way to introduce them to my female Cayuga. Thanks for any advice.

[Angela]

She will most probably take right to them but they will be afraid and run. I always introduce new babies in the dark...it just works better. But ducks can be contrary. Use a small confined space where the babies cannot hurt themselves trying to get away from the duck. Keep an eye on her for a while to make sure that she does not become agressive. How old are the ducklings? That will make a difference, as she will want to mother little ones faster then older ones.

Good luck!

[SLTurner55555]

Thanks. They will be a couple days old. Thanks. I like the idea of introducing them in the dark. Thanks.

[azduckranch]

I let the ducklings range with the adults during the day for a few days then put them in the pen at night in a protected house where they can see one another. After 2 nights they are fully integrated with the flock and I put them all in together.

[Evy]

Thanks. They will be a couple days old. Thanks. I like the idea of introducing them in the dark. Thanks.

Just watch & be prepared to rescue. Ducks are as active in the dark as in daylight, unlike chickens. I've had adult females kill strange ducklings in spite of them being the same size & color of their own.

[SLTurner55555]

Thanks everyone. We ended up finding some Cayuga mix breed ducks on Craiglist. They supposed to be about 1 year old. But they are so thin and bony. Because my ducksare just pets, I feel I have rescued these poor guys from a person who really didn't know how to take care of ducks. They were in a pen with chickens. The woman was frustrated because they made a mess with the water. I mean they are ducks, they kind of like water. Thanks for all your help.

[Evy]

Good move. Hope you're isolating them for a while.

[Mary]

I'm always glad to know when a bird or animal that is not cared for well gets a good home that gives better care. I hate to see fat animals as well as under nourished. Either is bad for their health.

[SLTurner55555]

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately I don't have pen to isolate them from my original girl. I am just watching everyone carefully. I don't think my girls were fat, but I they are pets and do get kale, peas and mealworms for treats. Because of duck house is above ground, I have to catch them and put them in every night. I noticed last night the new ducks don't feel as thin and bony. I am now wondering if they could have been dehydrated? Also the drake had a bit of mud under his eye when I got him. I don't see any discharge. I was reading about sticky eye. Could this have just be due to lack of water and his inability to clean himself well? His eye looks okay. Thanks for your help.

[Angela]

Oh yeah. They have to have water to be healthy. Sounds like lack of water was an issue for them at their last home. Get them a kiddie wading pool and watch them go crazy.

Good luck