Do I need a third duck?

[jannakaye]

My female muscovy is getting her feathers plucked! The drake is a pekin/runner and they are about the same size, but he's pulling the feathers on her neck out! Do I need another female or is this normal? (I've only had females until Nibbles so this is kinda new for me.)

 

[Orca5094]

Yes, I think it'd help her out alot if your drake had a couple more females. A good ratio for ducks is one drake to three females, but even ONE more female would certainly help.

 

[Sfraker]

Yep, she is most likely being overbred. Another female or two will spread his interests out.

 

[LovelyWinter]

Yes definitely.I have one mallard drake with 4 girls.He seems very relaxed.At least get another one.

 

[jannakaye]

Poor Quacks! I'll defiantly try to find another female or two for the flock. Thanks!

 

[Nyssa03]

More females will probably help. Just incase he decides he still likes her the best, you can get "saddles" - generally made for chickens but fit on ducks too- that will help keep her from getting hurt. At one time we had a good ratio 3 drakes to 14 ducks and they still had their favorites and ended up causing big open tears on the ducks backs.

 

[Blondiega1]

Yes get more hens.
I had 2 drake and 5 hens this past year and one of my poor girls got all beat up by the boys!!
So I rehomed a drake and kept some hens I had hatch out this spring.
Now with 1 drake and 9 hens I hope the "love" gets spread around more this next spring.