Can 2 drakes and a duck ever work?

[Crazy Maizie]

I don't want to take away someone's life mate.

Ducks don't actually mate for life - they might have a favorite though. Wild ducks will stick together during mating season, but that's it. Right now it's your choice as to who stays and who goes. Domestic ducks will bond to flock mates and might be a bit depressed once one leaves especially when there are only a few in the flock. That's why I always think 3 or 4 is better than just having 2 (in case one dies or gets taken by a predator).

 

[KathiQuacks]

Ok, so silly question. If they start mating in a month, egg laying is not far away also...is there a chance for ducklings in fall? Thought this was a spring fling sorta thing with the hormones and all?

Technically, yes, but eggs usually aren’t of best quality until 1 year old / spring. Hens usually don’t brood until spring, either.
I incubated my hen’s eggs when she was 10 months, and most were good. She got broody for the first time recently at 1 year, 4 months.

I don't want to take away someone's life mate.

Yes, ducks don’t actually have life mates, more like yearly mates. Drakes and hens will have 1 mate they prefer most, but drakes will still mate with many hens. They may switch out and pick a different mate in the fall. Don’t feel too bad for rehoming / separating the flock - it’s needed to keep everyone safe.