With the limited garden space that I have, it's quite a task trying to integrate the different ducklings safely.
Disco has 10 and is very protective, she has no problem attacking the 6 week old yellow ducklings if they venture too close to her wee ones.
On top of that, Saffron comes off her nest 3 or 4 times a day and can cause mayhem in the 5 or 10 minutes she is off the nest. I also have to watch the Herring gulls on the roof eyeing up the ducklings for a quick meal !
Getting them used to each other at a distance has been the key.
The use of the aviary and folding coop allowing all of them use of the pool in turn, then gradually letting them integrate, has worked out well.
The final test will come next week when Saffron is due to hatch her clutch... no doubt some mayhem again ! Short video below, showing Disco keeping order.
