2:1 Drakes:Hens... does it ever work?

[CharmCity]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading some of the previous posts on draken ratio with interest (and dismay!); we're first-time duck owners, and after getting 3 straight run Pekin ducklings at Tractor Supply, ended up with 2 drakes and 1 hen. They're about 15 weeks old right now. At the moment, our hen definitely runs the show: she seems much smarter and in control of the boys. We've witnessed one half-hearted attempt at mating from one of the drakes (about a week ago), but none since. Otherwise, everyone gets along great with no evidence of conflict of any sort.

I imagine that hormones haven't fully kicked in since they're still young, but I'm curious: does this sort of ratio EVER work? Have any of you ever had Pekin males that just weren't that interested in mating (or were easily deterred)? It breaks my heart to have to potentially rehome one of our drakes, but I want to act in the best interest of our hen... but I also don't want to rehome too quickly if there's a chance of this working out!

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Kevin565]

Welcome to BYC!

Situations like these are more of a "how long will it work" more than an "if"in my honest opinion. It only takes one time for the drakes to over breed her to cause serious injury or even death.

If you're very attached to both drakes would it be possible to bring in extra ducks to even out the ratio?

 

[CharmCity]

Thanks for the response, Kevin! I was worried that might be the answer. I don't think we currently have space for more than 3 ducks I wish that we did!

 

[needlessjunk]

I agree that it is a matter of when. Maybe it *may* work out okay the rest of this year but once aping gets going next it is going to be bad. I don't even think 1:1 odds are good. I would really look into trying to find another female to replace one of the boys. I know it is hard but your girl needs you to step in the protect her. My boys didn't get really going till 5 months or so and it was like a switch.