Three Dead Ducks....

[Kessel23]

I kept 3 drakes together in one of my chicken tractors for 4 months, they did fine, this was during the fall so they would still be actively breeding. I have had no problems with keeping drakes together, I had 2 drakes together through the entire breeding season last year and did not see any fighting but different birds will have different attitudes. Right now I have only 2 hens and 5 drakes all in the same pen, haven't seen them mate in over a month and haven't gotten an egg in a long time either. Both of the hens are in great shape, so are all the drakes I saw only a few fights when they were first introduced. I did have one more hen and 1 more drake in there but they are gone now, thanks to a racoon. You can get away with a lot of crazy gender ratios this time of the year, at least in my climate you can. Every year that I have owned mallard derived ducks I have had more drakes than hens in my flock during mid-late winter without a problem. I usually separate them out again once the drakes start to go into molt or once the hens start to lay again because that's around the time all the drakes go crazy.

 

[onaharley]

Hi there!!!Im from Michigan too! Do you have Facebook? There is a couple of groups I’m in on Facebook that is for Michigan. Michigan Duck Exchange is a great one, I rehomed my 2 drakes this past summer to a great loving family. Just a thought

 

[Bettyboop7499]

It's hard to say what will happen. As others said, they may go for each other, they may be ok, or in spring with hormones in full swing they may be significantly worse. Even if you give them ladies and they all live together there is no guarantee they will stop going after the chickens. It's also possible the female ducks and chickens will not get along with each other and you will have a whole new set of problems.

Oh yeah, they will not be put back in the pasture with the chickens! I'm going to let them free range in the yard area in the spring and summer. They are just so sweet, I can't wait to get them some lady friends!

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Hi there!!!Im from Michigan too! Do you have Facebook? There is a couple of groups I’m in on Facebook that is for Michigan. Michigan Duck Exchange is a great one, I rehomed my 2 drakes this past summer to a great loving family. Just a thought

Hello! That is a great idea, I will check it out, thank you!