Do drakes protect

[Crazy4Fowl]

The other day a hawk flew near the chicken coop trying to get in. All the chickens freaked out and feathers we everywhere. Yesterday my small dog got a chicken by the butt and was ripping feathers out. The rest of the flock (the other 7) we feet away watching the other chicken scream for help. I had to get my dog off the chicken. We are getting 10 ducks in february we were going to sell all except for 2. Both would be hens. They are mixed except for 2 (the hens), so don't know what we are getting. Should I keep a drake so I can get babies (i am deciding about that) and for protection? Do drakes protect the girl ducks if they are being attacked? Also will the drake attack me? Are drakes nice?

Thanks Crazy4Fowl

 

[needlessjunk]

Drakes can be nice. My 2 were, however don't get them if you expect protection. A rooster would suit you much better. Babies would be super cute but just having male doesn't equal ducklings, you have to get a duck that will sit or incubate them. You're getting gold 300's, right? I don't believe they like to go broody. Another thing to consider is what will you do if 2 females aren't enough for one male. Can you add another female or two? I personally would love to have a male because they are so pretty. Ducklings would be fun too but would quickly turn into too much for me. I can't wait to see pics when they arrive.

 

[buff goose guy]

id would say keep the drake, usually female ducks are more mellow if their is a boy around.

 

[Sid Post]

Some Ducks are friendlier to people than others. Some are more protective of their young or adults than others.

The hatchery breed comparison web pages have been really helpful to me. Lots of good summarized information to narrow my breed selection options, making sure I get Ducks that fit my needs best (i.e. good mothers, foragers, egg production, meat production, disposition, ....).

A couple of Geese (at least one Gander) would work well with the other fowl. I'm getting some Chickens and Ducks and had dismissed Geese as being too big and difficult to work with and feed. However, some people on BYC and other forums have 'enlightened' me and I plan on adding a few to protect the flock from dogs and other unwanted interlopers (feral hogs, coyotes,

people, ...).

 

[Crazy4Fowl]

Drakes can be nice. My 2 were, however don't get them if you expect protection. A rooster would suit you much better. Babies would be super cute but just having male doesn't equal ducklings, you have to get a duck that will sit or incubate them. You're getting gold 300's, right? I don't believe they like to go broody. Another thing to consider is what will you do if 2 females aren't enough for one male. Can you add another female or two? I personally would love to have a male because they are so pretty. Ducklings would be fun too but would quickly turn into too much for me. I can't wait to see pics when they arrive.

Thanks! And yes I am getting 300 so your saying they won't lay on the fertilized eggs to good... ;/

 

[Crazy4Fowl]

Some Ducks are friendlier to people than others. Some are more protective of their young or adults than others.

The hatchery breed comparison web pages have been really helpful to me. Lots of good summarized information to narrow my breed selection options, making sure I get Ducks that fit my needs best (i.e. good mothers, foragers, egg production, meat production, disposition, ....).

A couple of Geese (at least one Gander) would work well with the other fowl. I'm getting some Chickens and Ducks and had dismissed Geese as being too big and difficult to work with and feed. However, some people on BYC and other forums have 'enlightened' me and I plan on adding a few to protect the flock from dogs and other unwanted interlopers (feral hogs, coyotes,

people, ...).

id would say keep the drake, usually female ducks are more mellow if their is a boy around.

Thanks guys!

 

[needlessjunk]

Thanks! And yes I am getting 300 so your saying they won't lay on the fertilized eggs to good... ;/

It really depends on the duck if they will sit or not. They got a fair at mothering by Metzer farms so it could go either way. Take a look at this chart. I found it helpful when I was pick my ducklings.
http://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparison.cfm?CustID=3041566

 

[Crazy4Fowl]

It really depends on the duck if they will sit or not. They got a fair at mothering by Metzer farms so it could go either way. Take a look at this chart. I found it helpful when I was pick my ducklings.
http://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparison.cfm?CustID=3041566

Ok I will, thanks for all the help and good memory on the type of duck I am getting, I believe i said it in a earlier post. I will post pictures when I get them around 02-23-15

 

[needlessjunk]

Ok I will, thanks for all the help and good memory on the type of duck I am getting, I believe i said it in a earlier post. I will post pictures when I get them around 02-23-15

I wanted a golden 300 but couldn't wait till spring so I got a white layer. That how I remembered. If I got to choose a drake I would keep a Cayuga or Welsh Harliquin since they are so pretty

 

[Crazy4Fowl]

I wanted a golden 300 but couldn't wait till spring so I got a white layer. That how I remembered. If I got to choose a drake I would keep a Cayuga or Welsh Harliquin since they are so pretty

Oh you ordered some ducks too... nice! The goldens have a pretty high fertility rate too on meter farm. Most of the ducks have a fair or poor rating for mothering.. you never know...