Hi All! Hoping some of you can help me!
We have 4 adult Runners (1 Drake and 3 Hens). One of the hens successfully hatched 10 ducklings. We kept 4 and they are now fledged and as big, if not bigger than the adult hens.
Our Drake has had a hard time with this transition. We have kept him in a long run where everyone can see each other, but not touch. Initially he did ok with the ducklings, but once he started pulling feathers, we separated him.
He is now back with the flock part of the time. And still chases the fledglings whenever he gets the chance. He will climb on top of them and acts like he is mating (even with the drakes). He also chases off their mother, and only wants to be with the other two adult hens.
Also, I recently found out that three of the fledglings are drakes, and one is a hen). I would love for them to all be able to remain here, but thinking that I will need to re-home two of the new drakes. Thoughts? Should I keep two of the fledglings drakes and re-home our adult Drake since he is constantly chasing everyone? I was hoping he would call, but still has not.
Also, I have noticed that the adult mama is recently chasing off one of her fledgling drakes. It is really strange. He doesn't seem to be doing anything different than the other fledglings. I feel bad for him because now his mama is chasing him and the adult Drake. She isn't super aggressive with him, but will chase him off a bit when he gets close. Anyone experienced this with a mama and fledgling? Thanks for your help!
We have 4 adult Runners (1 Drake and 3 Hens). One of the hens successfully hatched 10 ducklings. We kept 4 and they are now fledged and as big, if not bigger than the adult hens.
Our Drake has had a hard time with this transition. We have kept him in a long run where everyone can see each other, but not touch. Initially he did ok with the ducklings, but once he started pulling feathers, we separated him.
He is now back with the flock part of the time. And still chases the fledglings whenever he gets the chance. He will climb on top of them and acts like he is mating (even with the drakes). He also chases off their mother, and only wants to be with the other two adult hens.
Also, I recently found out that three of the fledglings are drakes, and one is a hen). I would love for them to all be able to remain here, but thinking that I will need to re-home two of the new drakes. Thoughts? Should I keep two of the fledglings drakes and re-home our adult Drake since he is constantly chasing everyone? I was hoping he would call, but still has not.
Also, I have noticed that the adult mama is recently chasing off one of her fledgling drakes. It is really strange. He doesn't seem to be doing anything different than the other fledglings. I feel bad for him because now his mama is chasing him and the adult Drake. She isn't super aggressive with him, but will chase him off a bit when he gets close. Anyone experienced this with a mama and fledgling? Thanks for your help!
