How to introduce ducks to new coop?

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Eirwen

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Hi, I have recently been given a pair of muscovy crosses, had them a couple of weeks now. They have settled in well with my chickens, using the same large pen. They currently have an ark type wooden coop with a 1 metre run atached to it, this came with them when they were given to us The run was handy for a couple of days whilst introducing them to the chooks, but they're not kept in it anymore.

Our hens have a green frog house with a chicken guard automatic door, which I love, and we want to get the ducks a new coop with the automatic door too.

So my question is- what is the best way to introduce the ducks to the new coop? Thanks :)
 
Hiya :)

I have always found that moving ducks to a new coop it is best to put them in by hand at night and then leave them to get adjusted to it in the morning and let them come out at their leisure. Ducks don't really like new things so they need a while to get used to it, especially if its brightly coloured or not why they are used to!
Let us know how you get on :)
 
Thanks! The duck house is arriving next week! It will be a large duck house, larger than what they are used to, it can house 2 large geese or up to 8 small ducks, so I'm thinking 4 Muscovy ducks?

I was wondering whether it would be possible to add a couple of ducks to join them? Would putting them all in the new house together as their first introduction be ok? I know you can add chickens to the flock this way, not sure with ducks though?

Also, if I were to add female ducks, what breed would co exist best with a pair of Muscovy x Pekin (I think) crosses?

That's a lot of questions I know! Thanks in advance :)
 
I would be tempted to wait until you see the duck house before you think of adding more duckies. I have bought many duck houses over the years and find that manufacturers tend to over state duck capacity. I usually half it and that works out comfortable for the ducks to be able to move around a bit and stretch their wings. In the winter they may be in their night house for up to sixteen hours. Your ducks look quite large, most people judge on khaki Campbell or cherry valley size.
If you do decide to get two more, ducks tend to be very cliquey. Also their behaviour will very much depend on the season. If you have a drake already don't get another one, get ladies.
They need a more subtle intro than chickens, not a good idea to put them in the same small quarters immediately, they need to get to know each other gradually. One set will follow, the others will either run scared or bully for a while. It's not often new ducks are just accepted willingly unless you only have one plus one.
Good luck :)
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Thanks for that advice!! Will take it on board and wait till we've seen how our ducks have settled in to the new coop first!
 
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