Changing Drakes - How Long Between Fertilized Eggs From New Drake

[KathiQuacks]

I was thinking only one drake with the female at a time, which matches what you are suggesting.

But if the ducklings from each drake look different, there is no need to wait after switching drakes, because you can already be sure of who is the father of each duckling.

Oh, duh, I see what you mean. Yes! You wouldn’t really have to wait between drakes I believe then it’d also take about a week or so for drake 2 to ‘take over’ like with roosters

 

[Tennessee Tranquility]

But it’s only plausible to have both drakes with the hen if @Tennessee Tranquility has many other hens that can be bred too, to keep the drakes from fighting / overmating. And even if so, duck hens have a drake they prefer to mate with and will resist mating from other drakes, meaning the eggs will likely be sired mostly / entirely by 1 drake anyway. Separation, I think, would be better.

The Swedish and SAY drakes had all been next to the cage with Pekin hen and drake when I got them, so they are used to being separated but in proximity of her. I’m trying to get some more hens so the drake frustration level won’t be too high.

Would it help to move the boys to other side of the property where they don’t see her until it’s their turn to be in the big yard? It would be work and more daily chores, but doable. The poultry yard is about 9000 sf so the “couple” has a lot of opportunity to be away from the “men in waiting” cage. (Hope this makes sense)