Can multiple drakes live together harmoniously long term?

[CLovesDucks]

Hi BYC friends,

I have 7 ducks that I hatched in January. I knew I had two male Mallards but now I see drake feathers on two of my F&W Runners. I love all of my ducks dearly but I’ve heard that multiple drakes can be problematic. That said, I would gladly keep them all if it’s possible for my flock to remain happy and healthy. They appear to all get along for now but my largest male Runner is definitely the alpha drake for the group.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks!
Christin

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

That's a question for @Jpat

 

[Jpat]

4 males and 3 females? Thats a disaster

mabye you can Pick your favorite one and lose the rest

Or make 3 small fenced areas and houses to seperated each one and rotate them daily

OR get 12 more females?

Them beating each other up is one thing but they get frenzied and focus on a female and beat her up. Theres been folks on here with females beaten right to death and tortured and they only have 3 males

 

[CLovesDucks]

4 males and 3 females? Thats a disaster

mabye you can Pick your favorite one and lose the rest

Or make 3 small fenced areas and houses to seperated each one and rotate them daily

OR get 12 more females?

Them beating each other up is one thing but they get frenzied and focus on a female and beat her up. Theres been folks on here with females beaten right to death and tortured and they only have 3 males

Noooo

Such sad news. I really appreciate the advice, though. We have a decent amount of land but I think adding that many more ducks would be a bit much. Do you have any thoughts on keeping a runner drake vs a mallard drake?

 

[CLovesDucks]

Noooo

Such sad news. I really appreciate the advice, though. We have a decent amount of land but I think adding that many more ducks would be a bit much. Do you have any thoughts on keeping a runner drake vs a mallard drake?

And, to add on, if we separate them, I assume that entails building another coop? Sorry if that’s a dumb question. We let them free range during the day and put them in a coop with a run at night.

 

[Jpat]

i cant make a comment on runners ive never had one! if 50 say runner, 50 more will say mallard haha!

What i do is if one will eat from my hand while the others wont then he gets to stay. pick your favorite nicest one!


its sad and i understand. i had to give my silver appleyard away recently! Same problem

 

[Jpat]

Yeah seperate 24/7, so housing at night too

 

[CLovesDucks]

i cant make a comment on runners ive never had one! if 50 say runner, 50 more will say mallard haha!

What i do is if one will eat from my hand while the others wont then he gets to stay. pick your favorite nicest one!


its sad and i understand. i had to give my silver appleyard away recently! Same problem

Bummer. Again, though, I appreciate your wisdom and advice! Did you give your Silver away via BYC or another way? I want to make sure they go to good homes.

 

[sourland]

Problems with multiple drakes in a mixed flock include injury to the hens because of gang breeding or drowning of the hens if they have a pool. All drake flocks work for some, but in my experience result in drake fighting and attempts at breeding during the breeding season. Drakes are extremely hormone driven. I agree with Jpat in that you should keep the drake with the best personality/that you like best. Good luck in resolving this.

 

[Jpat]

No wisdom here! i just repeat what my top 5 favorite BYC members say!

i gave mine away on a local classified site

I didnt care if anyone ate them as much as i was worried of some dork buying him as a novelty then letting him go "free" in the nearest pond

What i like to do if i dont know forsure if offer delivery and see what their homestead looks like.

Drakes are a dollar a dosen this time of year, it might be hard finding a home but i wish you the best of luck!