7 month old drake ducks aggressive towards my 18 month old chickens

[Mumma Ski]

Hello,
I just recently noticed that my three drake Ancona ducks are getting aggressive towards my 6 hen chickens. I have had the ducks for three months now and they sleep in the coop nightly and free range daily with the chickens. The chickens are 18 months old and have been laying daily since December. Since I've noticed the aggressive behavior from the ducks (about a week now), my hens have not been laying eggs...maybe one a day if I'm lucky. My concern is that the drakes will hurt my hens or possibly the aggressiveness could lead to the unthinkable...losing one of my hens. I was raised with ducks and chickens and have never experienced this behavior. Is this common? I'm thinking I should find another home for my ducks to protect my hens....any expert advice out there? Thanks so much....
Worried chicken and duck mommy

 

[Tlmcq]

The Drake's are probably exhibiting mating behavior at that age. It is possible someone could get hurt. My ducks n chickens share a run but not a coop. They all tolerate one another and get along, even with a roo in mix. Are you sure you've got enough room for everyone? My Drakes do not exhibit this behavior but they have ducks for them so no need to look elsewhere and if they did my roo would settle that with a quickness. If they seem to be very rough with the hens I would separate them. Mine ducks will go and nuzzle chickens tails and sides but nothing rough or aggressive.

 

[Mumma Ski]

The Drake's are probably exhibiting mating behavior at that age. It is possible someone could get hurt. My ducks n chickens share a run but not a coop. They all tolerate one another and get along, even with a roo in mix. Are you sure you've got enough room for everyone? My Drakes do not exhibit this behavior but they have ducks for them so no need to look elsewhere and if they did my roo would settle that with a quickness. If they seem to be very rough with the hens I would separate them. Mine ducks will go and nuzzle chickens tails and sides but nothing rough or aggressive.

I think you're right about the mating behavior. Thanks so much for your advice and time!

 

[drumstick diva]

Drakes attempting to breed chicken hens can very well injure or kill them. Duck anatomy is very different than that of chickens. Drakes should never be around them, they should have duck hens available .

 

[Chickiemom25]

Do you have mates for your drakes? Perhaps some duck hens would be helpful!.

 

[Mumma Ski]

Drakes attempting to breed chicken hens can very well injure or kill them. Duck anatomy is very different than that of chickens. Drakes should never be around them, they should have duck hens available .

Thank you for the information. This makes sense and I'm in the process of finding a good home for the drakes or possibly getting a duck hen. In the mean time, I am separating them. Thanks!!

Drakes attempting to breed chicken hens can very well injure or kill them. Duck anatomy is very different than that of chickens. Drakes should never be around them, they should have duck hens available .

 

[Mumma Ski]

Do you have mates for your drakes? Perhaps some duck hens would be helpful!.

I do not have hen ducks, just chickens. I feel so bad for both the ducks and chickens so I'm separating them to give the chickens space and the ducks are in our pond happy. Thanks so much for your post.

 

[Mumma Ski]

Do you have mates for your drakes? Perhaps some duck hens would be helpful!.

I don't have duck hens....I would love to possibly get some but in the meantime, the ducks are separated from my chickens and enjoying their pond. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[Kiki]

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[Mumma Ski]

Good Morning,
I have a 6 week old chick that I rescued when she was almost 2 weeks. She has been in the house under a heat lamp since I got her and on warmer days I would put her out in the chicken house to acclimate and expose her to my other hens (she's in a portable rabbit cage).
My question is I live in Norther Maine and our nights are hitting the mid 40's. Is it warm enough for me to put her out in the chicken house permanently without a heat lamp? The hen house is insulated and our days are hitting the mid 50's to 70's...the usual New England Fall weather, the temps are like a yoyo. Thanks for your advice.