Depressed Duck?

[Sam Pritchard]

Thanks for the advice! I am definitely beefing up security x1000. She has an entire new home- I gave up on the last one, just too many areas for predators to get in. I have 5 baby ducks on their way next week- tho it'll be cold so it may be awhile before I can introduce them. Maybe I can bring Charlie (my adult girl) inside for play dates lol

I'm not a duck expert but I also recently lost a duck due to her swallowing a scorpion. After she passed I became really concerned about our other duck because I know how social they are and even though we have chickens they're not the same. We ended up getting another duckling and they were pretty scared of each other but now they are ok with each other! But since the duckling is still too young to be outside at night he has to stay inside alone so we gave him a stuffed animal and it really helps... If the mirror doesn't continue to work then I would suggest getting another duck for her. And make sure you fix whatever is going on with predators because she shouldn't be scared to go into her own pen y'know but hope everything works out!

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Sam,

What a great post!

Yes, animals...like people do suffer grief, fear and depression from traumatic events!

I just posted about this in a reply to a BYC article "Bigger is Better" and, to a thread, "Definitely mites. Now what?

Depression is a real health threat. Many times it will be a precursor to illness in the animal.

So, if you care about your animals this is a condition that has to be addressed. Fortunately, animals will respond more quickly to our kind and caring efforts, than a human being!

Stuffed animals, mirrors, other animal friends and even soft music, your soft voice and loving energy, can make a difference.

I don't have ducks, but I do have chickens. After a loss, I have observed this behavior not only in a hen, but also, in a rooster!

So glad your little duck is feeling better!

God Bless!

 

[CarleeAnn]

So cute! Happy for you, your baby, and your new babies to come!!

 

[DuckMochi]

@Sam Pritchard That's a good idea! Let your older girl look at the ducklings from outside their brooder and maybe bring her in to see them a couple times a day so that as they grow she is more comfortable with them! Congrats on your upcoming babies

 

[chickens really]

The funniest thing is when I introduce Ducks to Ducklings is the Adults in many situations are scared of the Peeps and Duckling antics..Monitor always interactions usually it goes really well..best wishes....