Could really use some advice I have 6 ducks

[shelly17]

I have 2 males one is 6 weeks old the other is about 14 weeks old I separated the older male because I'm scared he's going to drown one of my female ducks he constantly wants to mate, and he doesn't like the other male he always chases him away. Every since I separated the older male the females have gotten louder so I'm not sure on what to do any advice would be appreciated thanks.

 

[PoultryAddict 1]

It sounds like you have to many males to females. I would (sad as it is) either butcher, rehome, or get him some ladies of his own. A drake (male duck) needs AT LEAST 4 hens EACH to prevent over-mating.

 

[shelly17]

I'm only allowed to have 7 where I live I have 2 males and 4females I can't even find anyone to sell me just one. If I keep the males completely separate will that work or will the older one still hurt the younger one? Thank you

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm only allowed to have 7 where I live I have 2 males and 4females I can't even find anyone to sell me just one. If I keep the males completely separate will that work or will the older one still hurt the younger one? Thank you

If you keep them separate there isn't a way the older drake can hurt the younger one. @shelly17 I'd really consider giving up one of your drakes that would make a nice number for the remaining drake.

 

[shelly17]

Thanks for the advice I really only want them as pets and don't want them mating, I was hoping I could keep the boys in one area and the girls in another

 

[GooseFanatic]

Thanks for the advice I really only want them as pets and don't want them mating, I was hoping I could keep the boys in one area and the girls in another

I had this problem with chickens to many males to females. As sad as it is I culled almost all the males (freezer is full now) and the remaining are happy with the new male to female ratio. I would put them on Craigslist but may be easier just to eat them. (Some shelters take in poultry)

 

[shelly17]

I don't understand how the ratio is making the females loud though .I have the male who wants to mate separate and the baby male who isn't trying to mate, with the females .I plan on taking him out when he reaches that stage, there is no way I'm killing them I care about them way too much, giving them away is not really an option I guess I will just have to deal with the noise. Thanks

 

[Ducks4us]

I don't understand how the ratio is making the females loud though .I have the male who wants to mate separate and the baby male who isn't trying to mate, with the females .I plan on taking him out when he reaches that stage, there is no way I'm killing them I care about them way too much, giving them away is not really an option I guess I will just have to deal with the noise. Thanks

Female ducks get really loud no matter what.
But it could be because you have one seperated and they are talking to it.
I have all females and they are very noisy... the more mature they get the louder it gets. At 8 weeks now mine are far louder than they were a few weeks ago.
I would imagine you seperating them and them getting their voice happened at a similar time.
If one of mine gets stuck on one side of the fence they will all get loud till they are all back together.
Maybe thats whats going on.
It may be hard but you have to do whats best for all the ducks.
Your male duck being seperated by himself will be sooo lonely and always desperately trying to get to the rest of the flock.
Two males kept together will fight if they can see and or hear the girls. And many fight even with no girls in sight.
Unless you add more girls or find a good home for one of the boys you will have a hard time making them happy ducks.
I had to find a boy duck a new home a couple weeks ago. It can be done

 

[shelly17]

Thank you for I appreciate you going into detail about it

 

[Ducks4us]

Thank you for I appreciate you going into detail about it

Your welcome, i know how hard it is. The first two years i got ducks i bought straight run from the feed store and both times had way way too many boys.
This year i ordered 10 female ducks from the hatchery and bought 3 straight run from the feed store. And only got one boy.
I get so attached its hard to give them up. I understand how you feel