Dangerous mating behavior. Help!

[TwoDogFarm]

We have two Khaki Campbell drakes who have taken very much interest in two of our Pekin hens. I have observed both of them at once trying to mount one of the Pekins continuously. One of the drakes was standing on her back with her neck pushed to the ground and the other had her by the neck and was trying to jump on as well earlier today. We have also noticed recently that this particular Pekin is limping and seems to have broken or sprained her leg. It's not like she is the only female. We have two Khaki Campbells, one Runner, one Golden Cascade, one Buff Orpington and I'm not sure how many other female Pekins. What can we do to make sure they don't kill or injure her?

 

[Miss Lydia]

We have two Khaki Campbell drakes who have taken very much interest in two of our Pekin hens. I have observed both of them at once trying to mount one of the Pekins continuously. One of the drakes was standing on her back with her neck pushed to the ground and the other had her by the neck and was trying to jump on as well earlier today. We have also noticed recently that this particular Pekin is limping and seems to have broken or sprained her leg. It's not like she is the only female. We have two Khaki Campbells, one Runner, one Golden Cascade, one Buff Orpington and I'm not sure how many other female Pekins. What can we do to make sure they don't kill or injure her?

Best thing to do is separate your drakes from the girls if they are behaving this way they may end up stressing her out to the point of death. Or re home one of the drakes. It's never clear why they pick out one duck to abuse but she needs to be where these drakes cannot get to her. I don't think I'd guess if she has broken or sprained her leg she needs to be examined to assess her injuries and be treated appropriately . Please let us know how she is doing.

 

[TwoDogFarm]

If I separate her from the others, do you think the drakes will pick on one of the other hens? I don't look down on those who re-home their animals, but here, once they are a part of my family, I want them to have a forever home.They're all my babies. I just don't want to lose one of my hens to this.

Or if I were to separate the drakes, would they fight each other due to sexual frustration? Actually, the reason we've ended up with so many ducks (16 total) is because our two mallard drakes started fighting each other and attacking our chickens earlier this year because we didn't have any females. It was just luck of the draw that we ended up with two more drake Khakis. They're just reaching sexual maturity, and man, do they have the testosterone. The weird thing is, I haven't seen them take any interest in our two Khaki hens whatsoever.

 

[TwoDogFarm]

As far as her leg goes, we've been trying to figure out what's wrong with it. I posted about it on here, but didn't really get many informative responses. I know she doesn't have bumblefoot and it doesn't seem to feel like it's broken when we pick her up. She doesn't even seem in pain when we touch it. But she doesn't want to put much weight on the back part of her foot. I have a picture of her holding her foot up, but I'm not sure if anyone could tell anything from it. I read somewhere where separating them from the others if it is a sprain is sometimes best...Do you have any suggestions on that issue? We've never had this happen before.

 

[Nyssa03]

We had a similar problem with one of our ducks being attacked by several drakes ( we have about 30 females-so lack of girls was not the problem) The drakes just seem to pick on the weakest in the group. We put the hurt duck in a large wire crate in a separate house with a couple of other girls to keep her company (within the house - not in the crate). We kept her separated for about a week. Eventually we made a "boys only" area -- that didn't work out as planned either because our four runner drakes started chasing and beating up on the saxony drakes (who are much bigger). One of them got injured -- so he is now with some girls by himself and a sitter goose. The other 5 boys are now doing ok-they have a separate night pen and are in with some geese on about an acre of grass - not fighting so much that anyone is getting hurt but still chasing and fighting. Their behavior is NOT what I read in all my books!
I think the only way to keep girls safe is to have no more than one drake in their pen, but I know that is probably not possible for most people --- and another thing that happened last year -- we had one drake ancona with 8 ducks --He was always a nice drake but he got a prolapse. So I hope someone else can give you some advice that doesn't sound as ominous as my experiences.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If I separate her from the others, do you think the drakes will pick on one of the other hens? I don't look down on those who re-home their animals, but here, once they are a part of my family, I want them to have a forever home.They're all my babies. I just don't want to lose one of my hens to this.

Or if I were to separate the drakes, would they fight each other due to sexual frustration? Actually, the reason we've ended up with so many ducks (16 total) is because our two mallard drakes started fighting each other and attacking our chickens earlier this year because we didn't have any females. It was just luck of the draw that we ended up with two more drake Khakis. They're just reaching sexual maturity, and man, do they have the testosterone. The weird thing is, I haven't seen them take any interest in our two Khaki hens whatsoever.

I understand about the ducks being apart of the family and not wanting to part with them but how are you going to feel when they end up killing this duck or injuring her to the point you have to end her life. I have 4 drakes and believe me I will not put up with them abusing any of the girls to the point of injury. I also understand about testosterone I have 3 from 3yrs to age 1 and they just can't seem to get enough mating. Duck sexual behavior is rough and most of the time the ducks can handle it but when they begin to single out one it's gone further than sexual gratification there is something going on and maybe like Nyssa says they have singled this one duck out because they noticed a weakness in her. But it's our responsibility to protect these ducks we have in our care. For the health and welfare of the flock I'd rehome till you have one drake for every 3-4 ducks and then you may have to keep this injured one separate till she recovers with some of the other ducks for company. If you decide to go with an all drake pen then I would make it as far away from the ducks as you can, out of sight out of mind. I'm sure there will be some scraping between the drakes if kept separate it is what it is.
If this ducks has a sprain or leg injury rest and water therapy are 2 great ways to help with healing, also Epsom salt water soaks. but she cannot drink this solution because it is also a laxative. I use a bucket and put warm water and ES mix real well then stand the duck in the bucket and soak as long as you can holding on so she can't jump out !-2 cups ES to 1 gal. warm water.

 

[sourland]

If I separate her from the others, do you think the drakes will pick on one of the other hens? I don't look down on those who re-home their animals, but here, once they are a part of my family, I want them to have a forever home.They're all my babies. I just don't want to lose one of my hens to this.

I understand and admire your commitment to your animals, but what is worse - rehoming the drakes or allowing the continued abuse of a duck they have already injured?