Do I need more ducks?

[10AcreMom]

Hi! I thought I got two female ducks but it turns out, one is a male. The male is a Pekin and the female a Khaki Campbell. The pekin is significantly larger than the khaki.

My question is, is it still safe for them to be together? I don’t want her hurt once he gets the urge to start mating. So do I need more hens? I may need to rehome them both if so.

Thanks!

 

[Isadora]

Only time will tell, but usually drakes require more than one hen. I would suggest picking up at least 3 more females.

 

[10AcreMom]

Only time will tell, but usually drakes require more than one hen. I would suggest picking up at least 3 more females.

Thanks. That’s what I thought. I just don’t think that’s an option right now. I planned and built the run and duck house for two!

 

[Isadora]

Thanks. That’s what I thought. I just don’t think that’s an option right now. I planned and built the run and duck house for two!

I'm sure you're attached and it would be difficult, but you could rehome the male and purchase an adult female. Or, if you don't care about eggs, you could rehome the female and pick up another Drake.

 

[10AcreMom]

I'm sure you're attached and it would be difficult, but you could rehome the male and purchase an adult female. Or, if you don't care about eggs, you could rehome the female and pick up another Drake.

Very true. I’m so sad they both aren’t girls!! I think I’ll move towards rehoming.

 

[fatty and friends]

pairs work perfectly fine!! i have a girl/boy pair and i've never had a problem with them and they are almost 3 years old. i also have a pair of two drakes, they are almost 4 and also get along perfectly!

the hardest part for me is keeping the entire yard divided in half so the two groups can't mix, you only have the two ducks so that wont be an issue for you

 

[10AcreMom]

pairs work perfectly fine!! i have a girl/boy pair and i've never had a problem with them and they are almost 3 years old. i also have a pair of two drakes, they are almost 4 and also get along perfectly!

the hardest part for me is keeping the entire yard divided in half so the two groups can't mix, you only have the two ducks so that wont be an issue for you

Really?! That’s encouraging! I’ve only ever heard that we need to add hens!!

 

[fatty and friends]

Really?! That’s encouraging! I’ve only ever heard that we need to add hens!!

everyone i know who has a male/female pair has never had a problem and neither have i unless your drake is a pekin, i've noticed pekin drakes tend to be more aggressive with hens than other breeds

 

[10AcreMom]

everyone i know who has a male/female pair has never had a problem and neither have i unless your drake is a pekin, i've noticed pekin drakes tend to be more aggressive with hens than other breeds

The Pekin is a drake

 

[Luv Ducks]

I would wait it out if I were you and see what happens. You won't know for sure until mating season comes around and just keep an eye on them. All ducks are different. My Khaki Campbell Drake was one that I had to rehome because he over mated everything in my pen. I have his sister who is quiet as can be and got another hen that is the loudest thing in the neighborhood. No two ducks are the same and that way you would know for sure what to do.