Bachelor Ducks Run Amok

[Booodog]

It's those hormones poor things just seem to get a double dose of them when they come of age.

I believe I have some memory of that dynamic. Have you known it to ease up any in ducks?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well I have a 7 year old Muscovy drake and an 11 yr old gander that still go at it at times when hormones are high in spring/summer. But over late fall into late winter it is calm and peaceful here thanks to hormones being low. So maybe over winter things wont be quiet as dramatic

 

[Miss Lydia]

@thumper650 has an all drake flock maybe they have some inside info since they just added two new drakes

 

[thumper650]

@thumper650 has an all drake flock maybe they have some inside info since they just added two new drakes

Thanks for thinking of me!
I do have 2 one year old Pekins and added 2 feisty 4 month old runners. I introduced them with no fence, but supervised. The runners chased the Pekins, who were caught off guard for sure. The Pekins are back in control, and aside from the pool, and food they all get along. I have 2 connected houses that have a divider. Last night we accidentally left the divider out, but they seem to have survived, so they're together tonight.
One thing I notice is that small spaces, and corners, are really bad. I sometimes lock them out of their run in the fenced yard, so they have more space and less corners. Several waters also help since the pekins can't guard them all.
That being said, Summer was horrible for my 2 pekins. They fought terribly and would definitely do some damage if left together. I kept them separated about May to August. If you do keep all drakes, you should be prepared to keep everyone in their own pen for the summer.
I know all drakes are not ideal, and a little more work and no eggs for me. I love my boys though, as was mentioned they're usually free, and quieter and deserve a forever home.

 

[Booodog]

This is all very interesting. Thanks to everyone who wrote in. There are some new developments.

Had them all split up as described for about a week. Today, I tried some reintroductions outside the pen. Things went really well with the the Jumbo Pekin, the runners, and the little call duck who had been injured. They are all buddies again.

Moby Duck did mount one of the runners, but it was nothing like last week. He just got up there, looked around for a minute, and hopped off. Nothing more was said.

They were happy as clams for a few hours, so I let the other two call ducks out. They came running over, and bedlam ensued.

Nothing had been forgiven or forgotten. They are back by themselves in the Shangri-La Suite (has a bathtub). I might make them trade off every week with the other crew.

It's not ideal, but if it holds, this will be workable. Two sections are a nuisance to manage, but three was a real burden, as the geometry was working against me.

The pen consists of two 8' X 8' squares linked by a covered 4' X 10' corridor (which they never, ever use except in transit. So right about the claustrophobia, @thumper650), so splitting down the middle is pretty simple.

Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts. I'll let you know if anything changes.

 

[Jpat]

Gordan ramsay has an amazing idea for calming down drakes

 

[Miss Lydia]

Wonderful folks who give them a chance

 

[thumper650]

Gordan ramsay has an amazing idea for calming down drakes

I have an amazing idea to calm him down too!
Yes drakes can be a little more work, but you'll end up being a very proficient builder of short fences!

 

[Booodog]

Gordan ramsay has an amazing idea for calming down drakes

I don't like where this is headed.

 

[thumper650]

I don't like where this is headed.

Don't worry nobody's eating your or my duckies.
Spring may bring you more challanges but winter should be fine. At least you have 2 groups.