Aggressive Drake towards Hen

[Brebreezy]

I have two Ancona hens and one drake. The one hen (Peanut) and drake (Paddles) were raised together. The other hen (Beans) is the child of the other two. The drake has always been very aggressive. He is aggressive towards anything that moves that isn’t Peanut. I kept Beans and the other two separate for awhile. I just felt really bad because Beans was kept alone. I eventually let them all intermingle and have free roam of the backyard together. He would go after Beans occasionally. He lays on top of her and pecks at the back of her head. She has scoliosis and crooked feet. Now, he will not leave her alone. Any chance he gets he goes after her. Today, he ran all the way across the yard to attack her on the other side. The back of her head is practically bald. I’m worried he is going to seriously injure her. I’ve searched this site for recommendations. I cannot get more hens to balance it out. I kept her alone for while and as a result, she spends all of her time now alone and is scared of other ducks/animals. I feel so bad for her. I don’t want to keep her alone again. Any recommendations? Should I find her another home or possibly the drake? I’m worried that if it’s the drake to go, then Peanut will be upset since they are pretty much inseparable. However, Beans is my favorite, and I’m worried with another home she will be more susceptible to predators. She is very slow moving. Any advice I greatly appreciate. Thank you!

 

[SolarDuck]

I would get rid of the duck that is causing the problem, your other female will miss the drake but she will do well with just a female friend. Because of your girls health problems it would be hard to find a home willing to properly take care of her like you do. I'd get rid of the drake, or separate separate whenever he is bad instead of separating the girl.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm sorry to hear this. Poor Beans having problems and being attacked. When you say she was alone do you mean she wasn't penned close to the other 2? Have you ever put your 2 females together for the day to see how that would go? If your not overly fond of your drake maybe you should consider rehoming him? I know these decisions are hard but, Having the drake continually being aggressive sure isn't a good life for Beans. Or if rehoming isn't easy then give him a bachelor pad of his own and let the 2 girls have their own space. 2 females can live together fine. They may have their squabbles at times mine do but they aren't overly aggressive.

 

[Brebreezy]

I would get rid of the duck that is causing the problem, your other female will miss the drake but she will do well with just a female friend. Because of your girls health problems it would be hard to find a home willing to properly take care of her like you do. I'd get rid of the drake, or separate separate whenever he is bad instead of separating the girl.

Thank you for your advice! I usually put him in time-out if I catch him. It doesn’t seem to be working though.

 

[Brebreezy]

I would get rid of the duck that is causing the problem, your other female will miss the drake but she will do well with just a female friend. Because of your girls health problems it would be hard to find a home willing to properly take care of her like you do. I'd get rid of the drake, or separate separate whenever he is bad instead of separating the girl.

Thank you for the advice. I usually put him in time-out if I catch him. It hasn’t seem to be working though.

 

[Brebreezy]

I'm sorry to hear this. Poor Beans having problems and being attacked. When you say she was alone do you mean she wasn't penned close to the other 2? Have you ever put your 2 females together for the day to see how that would go? If your not overly fond of your drake maybe you should consider rehoming him? I know these decisions are hard but, Having the drake continually being aggressive sure isn't a good life for Beans. Or if rehoming isn't easy then give him a bachelor pad of his own and let the 2 girls have their own space. 2 females can live together fine. They may have their squabbles at times mine do but they aren't overly aggressive.

Thank you for the advice! If I kept him separated from the two hens would he become lonely? Beans was born with a brother. Unfortunately, he had to be euthanized due to health issues. They were kept separate from the drake and the other hen due to the brother’s health issues. Then after he passed away I let her be out with the other two. The attacking has recently gotten worse. The two hens just kinda keep their distance from one another. I would say they don’t either hate or like the other is the best I can describe it. No aggression.

 

[SolarDuck]

Can you put him somewhere where he can see the hens, but not access them? That would make him feel less lonely.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes exactly put him close but not with them. They eventually should get to be friends since they are flock animals and like their own kind for the company.

 

[Brebreezy]

Can you put him somewhere where he can see the hens, but not access them? That would make him feel less lonely.

Yes, I can give that a shot. Thank you.

 

[3xhhheather]

I recently rehomed our drake, it ended up being for the best. He was either beating up or getting beat up by some of the girls. He also would not allow his main two ladies to interact with the other half of the flock. A few hours after he left, everything was peachy. Now all the girls get along which never happened before. I was sad to see him go to a new home, he was goofy and very handsome, but everyone is much happier for it.