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Rooster mounting Ducks (I think)... should I be worried?

post #1 of 5
6/25/12 at 6:08am
Thread Starter 

Hello!  Our 14 week old White Plymoth Rock rooster is trying to mount our 14 week old Pekin ducks (no drake feathers so we're guessing 2 females).  I saw him do this with one yesterday and the other one this morning.  At least I'm assuming it's mounting... he's jumping on their backs and not letting go and I think grabbing the back of neck with his beak.  I don't think he's playing because the ducks are not very happy about it.  They quack loud, get away and then turn and curse at him.  The ducks who were really the dominant ones keep out of the rooster's way now.  Rooster and ducks are housed together with 8 other hen chicks who are about 5 days younger.  1)  What is rooster actually doing?  2) If mounting, why doesn't he go for the hens?  3) Are the ducks going to be ok (although PO'd) or should I be worried he'll hurt them?

Thank you all for any insight you can give!

Started the "Chicken Experience" in Spring 2012 with 9 chicks (1 Buff Orp, 2 White Rock, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Salmon Faverolles, 1 Brown Leghorn, 3 EE) and 2 Pekin ducklings.
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Started the "Chicken Experience" in Spring 2012 with 9 chicks (1 Buff Orp, 2 White Rock, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Salmon Faverolles, 1 Brown Leghorn, 3 EE) and 2 Pekin ducklings.
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post #2 of 5
6/25/12 at 8:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chickiee View Post

Hello!  Our 14 week old White Plymoth Rock rooster is trying to mount our 14 week old Pekin ducks (no drake feathers so we're guessing 2 females). 

I saw him do this with one yesterday and the other one this morning. 

At least I'm assuming it's mounting... he's jumping on their backs and not letting go and I think grabbing the back of neck with his beak. 

I don't think he's playing because the ducks are not very happy about it.  They quack loud, get away and then turn and curse at him. 

The ducks who were really the dominant ones keep out of the rooster's way now. 

Rooster and ducks are housed together with 8 other hen chicks who are about 5 days younger. 

1)  What is rooster actually doing? 

2) If mounting, why doesn't he go for the hens? 

3) Are the ducks going to be ok (although PO'd) or should I be worried he'll hurt them?

Thank you all for any insight you can give!

 

1) Mounting

2) They are wise to him? They are not receptive?  (If you can isolate him for tow-three days they might be glad to have him back) They are not ready yet?

3) they will lose feathers at the neck and back form the treading, they are made to get mated by Drakes not Roosters.

 

4) I solved this before it happened by having Drakes with my ducks- Drakes will not allow this, and the rooster will not allow the Drakes to mount the hens (which would be more trouble for the hens then the ducks)

 Scientist and Tutor, expert at nothing, opinions on everything.

2012 Art Contest runs till Midnight EST Dec 31st 2012

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/634433/2012-coloring-contest-rule-thread

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 Scientist and Tutor, expert at nothing, opinions on everything.

2012 Art Contest runs till Midnight EST Dec 31st 2012

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/634433/2012-coloring-contest-rule-thread

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post #3 of 5
6/25/12 at 2:16pm
Thread Starter 

I don't think we want to get another duck but I understand how that would help the situation.  (We love them, but boy are they messy with the water!)  Can the rooster actually hurt the ducks by doing this activity, or are the ducks just going to get annoyed with him?  I don't want anyone to get hurt.  To respond to the hen questions... I haven't seen him try any hanky panky with them yet... just the ducks.  Silly rooster!  :P

Started the "Chicken Experience" in Spring 2012 with 9 chicks (1 Buff Orp, 2 White Rock, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Salmon Faverolles, 1 Brown Leghorn, 3 EE) and 2 Pekin ducklings.
Reply
Started the "Chicken Experience" in Spring 2012 with 9 chicks (1 Buff Orp, 2 White Rock, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Salmon Faverolles, 1 Brown Leghorn, 3 EE) and 2 Pekin ducklings.
Reply
post #4 of 5
6/25/12 at 4:43pm

His feet and claws are not the same as a drakes, they will get feather wear in odd places for a duck... besides it's annoying to them I'm sure

(Drakes have a -male member- Roosters do not have something that enters the hen)

 

The hens sound too young still, maybe he cant tell the ducks are too young...

 Scientist and Tutor, expert at nothing, opinions on everything.

2012 Art Contest runs till Midnight EST Dec 31st 2012

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/634433/2012-coloring-contest-rule-thread

Reply

 Scientist and Tutor, expert at nothing, opinions on everything.

2012 Art Contest runs till Midnight EST Dec 31st 2012

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/634433/2012-coloring-contest-rule-thread

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post #5 of 5
6/25/12 at 6:42pm

Hormones 2, reason 0 !

APA General Licensed Judge with 50 years experience raising and showing all manner of fowl.

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APA General Licensed Judge with 50 years experience raising and showing all manner of fowl.

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