[pookey]

I have kept chickens for a few years and wanted to add a few runner ducks into the mix but couldnt get any anywhere (northern Ireland).  I was at my local market yesterday and there were some runner ducklings in a cage at the petshop.  Eagerness got the better of me and I bought 2    I  dont believe in market selling animals so I am annoyed at me breaking my ethics.

I put them in the chicken run and within a couple of hours one of them had died from what I think was stress.  They are quite young as they are still fluffy.

I have segregated the other duck to an old rabbit hutch and long run I had laying around but it is very stressed and shakey.   it is running up and down crying and seems to want to be touched.  I think it would have jumped into my dressing gown and snuggled down if I'd let it.

I'm assuming the ducks have been sold too young.  What should I do for the poor thing....It had a bit of bread soaked in water this morning and thats the first thing its had.  Everytime a chicken clucks or a crow crows, the poor thing gets frantic.   I was wondering if I should bring it in the house but with 2 noisy young boys, 2 cats and 2 dogs I think that could stress it more. 

I cant get any companion ducks untill next sunday when the market is back on, the only place I know to get ducks in the tannaghmore anual bird fair in august and the poor thing cant be lonely till then.

[carolbriar]

Hi Pookey, sorry to hear about your duckling.  You could try the guy I mentioned in Beragh.  He had Indian Runner ducks when I was there last year - he might have some young ones.  I will pm you his number in case you want to try him.
Carolbriar

[pookey]

thanks carol, last time I called him he didnt have any but hopefully some may have hatched.  I kept the number ending 164 so I'll give him a call.

[joyfull]

is it old enough to be off heat?

[pookey]

im not sure how old she is, heres a pic

[Hayley'sHens]

Im no expert but it doesnt look to me like he has any feathers yet? I'd be tempted to bring him in doors under a heat lamp for a few more days, maybe letting him back out for a few hours through the day when its nice and warm. Hope he improves soon

[pookey]

Im no expert but it doesnt look to me like he has any feathers yet? I'd be tempted to bring him in doors under a heat lamp for a few more days, maybe letting him back out for a few hours through the day when its nice and warm. Hope he improves soon

It doesnt have any feathers.  I was told it is a girl, is it a boy then?

[Hayley'sHens]

Sorry, I refer to everything as 'he' force of habit, Sorry. If you have been told its a girl, Chances are it is  Either way, she's lovely 

[joyfull]

think you will find out more when he or she quacks and boys also have the tail curl don't they?

[carolbriar]

How is your little duckling and have you managed to settle her/him?  She looks lovely.  A friend of mine bought 3 indian runner ducks at last weekends poultry fair at the Argory. 

[pookey]

How is your little duckling and have you managed to settle her/him?  She looks lovely.  A friend of mine bought 3 indian runner ducks at last weekends poultry fair at the Argory. 

Its a shame I missed the argory show, still the chelsea flower show was brilliant!!!  The duck seems to be doing better and has perked up a bit.  I put a teddy penguin in with her and shes snuggled up to it and has stopped shaking, still a bit confused and jumpy though.

I spoke to Aiden on the number you gave me and he said his runners arent ready yet, I emailed him a pic and he said my duckling was too young to be sold but he has a couple the same size that i could buy.  So if nothing gets better I can go and get it some company.  I put one of my broody chickens in with it and the duckling ran and pecked it so I got my very large white sussex out before she pecked her back!  Not sure if it would attack other ducks.  Its confusing to know whats best.

[carolbriar]

At least you know you can fall back on Aiden and get another duck from him if your little one doesn't settle.  Keep us informed

[Kate and her Ducks]

She looks to be 3-4 weeks old but hard to tell without anything to compare to and might just be a bit cold.  She will be very stressed by herself so companionship is really important.

I would be very worried about the one that just up and died. Ducklings are generally very hardy little things and I have never had one die of shock or heard of it happening to anyone I know. I have transported ducklings of a week and less old for over an hour, had them chased by predators (and overentheusiastic children) and none have died. I think you should speak to the breeder and consider carefully before having anymore form them.