I have 6 Magpie ducks. We got them one week after they hatched. They have been sweet to each other and humans until last week. One duck started biting me and biting the others on the tail. This week the mean duck started biting the others on the tip of the wings. It's clear that the other ducks don't like it because they run away and scream. I watch them at night on a camera and they seem to be at peace with the mean duck. I'm not sure what is the best thing to do beyond letting him free range and let nature deal with it or give him/her a new home.
Ducks living situation: 9'x9' chicken coup with clean pine bedding, fans to cool and a heat lamp for the cold since they aren't full grown yet. fresh water daily, crumble, meal works, and grit. Also I should note that I put a small box in the coup and it's only big enough for one duck to sit on. They really love sitting on that box but they seem competitive for the spot.
Outside the coup is fenced off with chicken wire at 9'D x 15'L x 15'H and mostly covered with chicken wire and an umbrella for shade and to keep hawks out. I also put up a tarp covering one side of the fence to provide a cool shady spot. I run a small sprinkler inside to cool water and clean it in a kiddie pool. Ducks get about 6-8 hours outside to swim, nap, and forage.
I'm worried that the mean duck might have a mental problem because everything I've read pounts that direction. I'll pull the box out if this could have spurred the competive issue.
Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. I'm brand new to ducks.
Ducks living situation: 9'x9' chicken coup with clean pine bedding, fans to cool and a heat lamp for the cold since they aren't full grown yet. fresh water daily, crumble, meal works, and grit. Also I should note that I put a small box in the coup and it's only big enough for one duck to sit on. They really love sitting on that box but they seem competitive for the spot.
Outside the coup is fenced off with chicken wire at 9'D x 15'L x 15'H and mostly covered with chicken wire and an umbrella for shade and to keep hawks out. I also put up a tarp covering one side of the fence to provide a cool shady spot. I run a small sprinkler inside to cool water and clean it in a kiddie pool. Ducks get about 6-8 hours outside to swim, nap, and forage.
I'm worried that the mean duck might have a mental problem because everything I've read pounts that direction. I'll pull the box out if this could have spurred the competive issue.
Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. I'm brand new to ducks.
