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Adding new members to the flock

 
pollinator
Posts: 1703
Location: Western Washington
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So I know from experience that roosters can be mean as hell. Anyone know about Geese? I have two one year old Male geese along with a female and a female duck. I am thinking about introducing a drake peking as well as perhaps getting a couple ducklings at some point in the near future as I think I ample forage. The duckling would be kept separate in a pen until they got a bit of size to them but I'd like to more or less drop the drake straight in. Anyone think this could lead to problems. from what I've seen the geese just kinda nip at other things to put them in their place and back them up - the don't seem to jump on anyone and maul them to death like chickens will. Anyone with experience adding to duck and geese flocks please speak up!
 
Landon Sunrich
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Well, the magic 'free' word was mentioned so sure enough one borrowed car later I have a new Pekin Drake. He's 10 or 11 months old and I'm shocked how much smaller he is than my female. Maybe the female is a Jumbo Pekin? Anyway she seems to be the most wary of the new comer. Everyone seems to get along. Defiantly no aggression. The New guy is kinda awkward and shy but he seems to follow around the old timers and hang on the periphery. I bet in a few days or weeks they be a happy gaggle. Still wonder about the she duck though. I'm pretty sure she thinks shes a goose.
 
pollinator
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Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat
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Make sure you have at least 5 female for every 1 male. Otherwise things will get ugly soon
 
Landon Sunrich
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Well 24 hours in and things seem to be going swimmingly. The two ducks are hanging out together and the two male geese have ceased being protective. I am thinking about trying to pick up a few more lady duck chicks. Are there any good responsible reliable duck mother breeds out there or are they all lame parents? I'd love to have a broody duck. Who has a favorite (and common) duck breed and why?
 
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Location: Ellisforde, WA
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We had Muscovies, Pekins, and Mallards when I was growing up. Muscovies were the best mothers, but my mother would set Pekin and Mallard eggs under a broody hen. If they sat on the eggs long enough to hatch, the mothers would step on the ducklings. Mallards were a bit better than Pekins, but not much.
 
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montana community seeking 20 people who are gardeners or want to be gardeners
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