Introducing new ducks

[kathyd]

Just found one of my little ducks dead in the pond . She's not been right since we got her a year ago - only ever laid 2 eggs, went lame for no obvious reason - and lately had started separating herself regularly from the others. However, I wasn't expecting her to die quite so suddenly. She was one of 3 khaki campbells, 1 male and 2 females. Ideally I'd like to replace her but need some advice please as this is the first time we've kept ducks. Is it like introducing new chickens? ie get 2 together not one, quarantine period / separated while they get used to each other etc? Or do ducks behave differently? Mr Duck is extremely territorial at the moment, and chases the chickens mercilessly, even grabbing them by the neck and dragging them away from food - does this suggest he won't take to new female duck(s) either? Would it make any difference what breed we get - would getting the same again be the best policy? Thx

[Guest]

I have found ducks to be so much easier then chickens they really don't seem to fuss. However, it is always best to be cautious so if you do have space then get two and keep them seperate until you are happy they will be fine. Which I would think would be quite soon. I don't think breed matters as long as they are a similar size i.e no moscovies or call ducks.

[kathyd]

Thanks NG, just what I wanted to hear . Mr Duck is just so territorial I did worry - he chases anything larger than a blackbird. Even goes for my knees on occasions if he thinks I'm giving too much food to the chickens and neglecting his girls.. quite funny really, though if he was a cockerel I wouldn't be laughing! Now all I have to do is find a couple of medium sized birds - they seem obsessed with rouens, barbaries and ornamentals over here...