Aggressive Khaki Campbell

[DuckyMama0309]

I have come to figure out that both my Khaki Campbell and my Rouen are drakes. These are the only ducks I own. I am new to ducks and I am not sure what is normal and what isn't. But my Khaki Campbell has started getting aggressive towards me, or at least I think it's aggression.

What he does is if I walk in the run or squat down he starts to shake and charges at me with his head down. He just started doing this yesterday afternoon. He hasn't bitten me or anything but I think eventually he might. Also, he doesn't do it if I am bringing in food or water. So, is this him being aggressive?

I am getting to the point where I think I need to wear jeans and tennis shoes when I go in the run just in case he does decide to bite me. But I live in Florida and it is 90+ degrees out. lol

He gets along fine with the Rouen for the most part. Mostly they just get in each others faces and push each other around for a second or two and then they are done and go back to foraging or playing in the water.

Anyway, if he is getting aggressive towards me, what can I do stop this behavior?

 

[chickens really]

I just got rid of my Drake that became aggressive...He did start biting me and attacked my tiny Yorkie....I would get rid of him....mean Drakes usually do not change..He is treating you as bellow him...Mine now is happy at his new home and has zero human aggression....

 

[Duckstruck]

I haven't had my drake be mean to me, but a female duck seems to be on the verge of it. When I have my back turned, she'll charge at me, but I usually turn the tables and pick her up to show my dominance. I'm not sure if it'll change much, but it's worth a try. Maybe wear an old sweater when going to pick him up, it'll hurt less if he bites.
Good luck!

 

[chickens really]

I haven't had my drake be mean to me, but a female duck seems to be on the verge of it. When I have my back turned, she'll charge at me, but I usually turn the tables and pick her up to show my dominance. I'm not sure if it'll change much, but it's worth a try. Maybe wear an old sweater when going to pick him up, it'll hurt less if he bites.
Good luck!

Is your Hen going Broody?....Eggs and nesting?

 

[Duckstruck]

@chickens really, they're all laying a lot of eggs, that may be it

 

[chickens really]

@chickens really, they're all laying a lot of eggs, that may be it

Yes...hormones.....

 

[DuckyMama0309]

I haven't had my drake be mean to me, but a female duck seems to be on the verge of it. When I have my back turned, she'll charge at me, but I usually turn the tables and pick her up to show my dominance. I'm not sure if it'll change much, but it's worth a try. Maybe wear an old sweater when going to pick him up, it'll hurt less if he bites.
Good luck!

I will try that Duckstruck. Although I usually have to chase him around to pick him up. I have found a few other tips on how to stop the behavior that I will also try if picking him up doesn't work.

 

[firestomp]

I have come to figure out that both my Khaki Campbell and my Rouen are drakes. These are the only ducks I own. I am new to ducks and I am not sure what is normal and what isn't. But my Khaki Campbell has started getting aggressive towards me, or at least I think it's aggression.

What he does is if I walk in the run or squat down he starts to shake and charges at me with his head down. He just started doing this yesterday afternoon. He hasn't bitten me or anything but I think eventually he might. Also, he doesn't do it if I am bringing in food or water. So, is this him being aggressive?

I am getting to the point where I think I need to wear jeans and tennis shoes when I go in the run just in case he does decide to bite me. But I live in Florida and it is 90+ degrees out. lol

He gets along fine with the Rouen for the most part. Mostly they just get in each others faces and push each other around for a second or two and then they are done and go back to foraging or playing in the water.

Anyway, if he is getting aggressive towards me, what can I do stop this behavior?

They are territorial as well, if drakes are all you have, you can expect them to mount one another since there are no females. Sometimes the dominant males will gang up on the lowest member, I wound up with 4 from straight run and this happened all hours day and night. I have the advantage of shift work to allow me to watch all of my animals behavior night and day. I now have 1 drake. Bought 8 females from Stromberg's, Have lost 5 to hawks, the remaining are on lockdown in large chicken yard with deterrent on top. I have both coopers and red tails nesting in the area, they have taken them 2 at a time. The ducklings are large and outgrew their covered yard. I have many natural hiding areas and a wildlife area, they just don't seem as smart as the chickens, who keep an eye to the sky. I figured wrong that the ducks would take this warning from the chickens, This has been an $80 loss to date for the sexed ducks. It's part of the battle with nature.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I have one Khaki drake who does that as well but has never bitten me. Like Duckstruck, I grab him and hold him to let him know who is in charge. Mine does it to "defend" his girl from me. He calms down when I pick him up and hold him.

 

[firestomp]

I will try that Duckstruck. Although I usually have to chase him around to pick him up. I have found a few other tips on how to stop the behavior that I will also try if picking him up doesn't work.

my drake wont let me near him, I don't socialise with any of the stock, They get great feed, clean living areas, fresh pool and drinking water, and are/were free ranged until the losses do to hawks. Once the ducklings mature, they should be fine, nothing bothers the drake or the large hens. THEY have become very smart at watching the sky, with that many eyes, once he alarm is sounded all head for cover.