Drake and Hen

[Disheygirl]

On a whim, I hatched two duck eggs from the local farm that we bought for baking. They came refrigerated - I didn’t think they’d do anything, but I had a broody hen and the rest is history.

Once the eggs started developing and I got to “what am I going to do with ducks?” I figured I’d get two girls or two boys, but I got a drake and a hen. I’ve read about duck rape and how the males need a handful of girls. Is that the norm for all ducks? Like I might as well go get more female ducklings now? They’re about seven weeks old now but full grown - get more before next year’s mating season? I could separate them if mating season was short but apparently it’s months?

Pic for reference. When I try to pet them they act like I’m trying to murder them.

 

[cavemanrich]

Just a heads up on keeping ducks and chickens together. Well, male ducks,, that is,, They can hurt your chicken hens. Hen ducks are fine with chickens.
So if you do encounter problems with that drake,,, in the future. you may have to keep the flocks separated.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Papaye]

Hi.

I’ve read about duck rape and how the males need a handful of girls. Is that the norm for all ducks?

The recommended ratio is 3 hens for 1 drake... at least!

Nevertheless, it mostly depends on your drake : he could do fine with only 1 hen, or he could not be satisfied even with 6-7 girls...

(It could work, but still, you will have to monitor them during mating seasons, and separated them then if needed...)

Like I might as well go get more female ducklings now?

You can, and you actually should : if ever one of your duck die, the other one might (let itself) die from loneliness.
To prevent it, you need at least another duck!

(Don't take Muscovies : they won't speak the same language than your ducklings.)

Pic for reference.

Would you mind posting more pictures of them?

When I try to pet them they act like I’m trying to murder them.

They actually kind of think you are going to kill them, so...