Bold Drake

[ruthhope]

Scout has been around them from the beginning as ducklings, I think that is why he is tolerating Geralds nipping so well We've also been just watching up until today, because he is being a good drake and taking care of his girls. He does a good job of rounding them up too. So it's been drake behavior that I'm ok with, until recently.

As soon as we get through this cold spurt we are having at the moment we will be adding some fencing to section the ducks off as we do some major work in the backyard to get the grass back and contain the ducks into their own specific space with supervised frolics into the backyard and garden. I think that will solve the problem, they will have their own space and the dog will have his own. And we will reclaim the backdoor. I will miss seeing them napping right outside the door though.

Good plans: lets hope the cold doesn't last!! I'm not good with arctic weather although my ducks don't seem to mind. I am currently on an extended visit to Northern Virginia and this morning, I went out with a bucket of hot water to add to the wading pool, after breaking the ice on the top. One of my muscovy decided that was perfet for bathing!! even though it was only 2 inches deep [I think the pool has sprung a leak but I cannot get a replacement at this time of year.] My puppy only goes out there on a tie out for half an hour in the afternoon when there is some weak sun. The ducks have worked out exactly how long that tie out is, and still come up past the puppy to the back door! And go on expeditions that involve walking round the puppy!

 

[Colley12]

I appreciate all the comments. I understand it's normal drake behavior and I haven't interfered until today. I've let him be him and take care of his girls.

Right now the dog mostly stays inside in general due to the weather and the drake is in the duck house for a little while today, then he will be let out and back to his flock.

I've read of dog attacks on ducks or chickens and I don't want that, so we have been watchful with them. And seeing the small changes over the last couple of weeks we need to separate the backyard. We will supervise the time outside with the dog. The husband and i have been talking about how we are going to change things. So i agree i hope the weather warms so we can do those things.

I've also read about aggressive drakes and roosters. So I was checking both things as my kids help with the ducks too. But he doesn't seem to do those things to us, except for the one time I caught him sneaking up behind me.

 

[Colley12]

Most of the time....

We will get the fence up and all will be well

 

[Colley12]

The cat wasn't going to miss out on sunbathing with the others

 

[sourland]

The behavior will likely escalate as the day light period increases causing an increase in testosterone and mating behavior.

 

[Colley12]

I figured that was part of it too. The ladies have been busying making 2 random nests in the yard, they are still laying in the house, but figured hormones were kicking in. This will be his first spring/summer.

At least with this incident it has me more aware of his behavior and the trend to be more of his protective drake self. So that I can be proactive to help dog and ducks both with some changes