4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Fowler]

Hi

New to the club, though had standard Eglu for a year now.

Has anyone had experience with an indian runner in a standard eglu, and sharing with a couple of hens (two questions, I guess)?

We relieved someone of a 6 month old indian runner, assured things would be fine..., and I was hoping she might integrate OK with the orpington and pepperpot, but she seems very panicky and unsettled, and very wary of us. Also she does not really stick up for herself at all when the other two are making very clear what the pecking order is...

 

I don't really have another option for living arrangements. Am I just being paranoid? (I was prepared for the hens establishing their hierarchy, but somehow it just seems a bit harsh hen-on-duck...)

 

IW

 

[Guest]

Hi

 

Not sure here may have to see how it goes but usually if they have nt been raised together and also added different species you may have a struggle. would be better if the duck was with another duck...rehome it ??? am sure if its not working out someone on here with ducks may take it. I have just taken 4 mallards from an experienced chicken keeper as it just wasnt working out for her(causing havoc with her chickens).

 

May get some other advice ?? sorry I would consider rehoming am sure the duck would be happier then? See how it goes

 

indie

[Fowler]

Will do. She is sitting quietly in the corner just now; more bothered by me than by the hens.

Ta

IW

[miller30]

Hi i agree with indie i have indian runners and they dont stick up for them selfs against our chickens but they have seperate housing i think she would be happier with other ducks can you not get some more ducks and give them a seperate house hope this helps leanne.

[miller30]

Hi fowler whereabouts are you and is your duck female if your not to far i will take her and put her with my runners if you want leanne.

[Fowler]

Good news!

Darcey Duck (don't ask) and Mrs Bennet (again, don't ask) seem to be tolerating each other's presence. The odd peck (but Mrs B, an orpington, is a bit of a cow, frankly...) but no more full-on killer blows.

It is me she is most bothered about - and she did wander off three gardens away when I (ill-advisedly) let her out with the chucks. Relatively easily caught, and quite content when held, but otherwise not terribly keen to get close to humans. I've penned part of the garden off and am working on domesticating her a bit more.

Thanks for advice... things seem to be settling.

IW

[Janty]

My chicks and ducks free ranged together today for the first time ( the ducks have been circling the eglu and chicks for 5 weeks). There was no bother at all. I was pleasantly surprised.