Drake being really rough with my hen

[Bec]

Is this because he is young? He grabs her by the back of her head and she has missing feathers now. I can't really separate them, they just free range in my backyard and they don't have a pen. And honestly, I think they would be unhappy without the company of eachother being that they are my only ducks. They were raised together and this spring will be 1. She lays an egg just about everyday. I just feel bad for her because he pins her down! ETA They are Pekins

 

[Amiga]

A friend of mine once said something like, "poultry sex is brutal." Any references I can find say from three to seven females per drake is a good ratio.

You are right to be concerned. Drakes are not always gentlemen, and have been known to injure and kill females in their enthusiasm to mate.

See if you can confine him or her, regardless of how it has always been. And think about how you are going to help her out.

 

[Bec]

So if I got 2 more, that may make thing better in the long run? I will have to strap on my thinking cap! I am scared that if I let them out to wander like my goose does, that they will become a quick meal for a hungry predator. I have 2 chickens pens, but the ducks bully the chicken when they are locked in with them...and the chickens free range too.

 

[Amiga]

I wonder sometimes why poultry make it so difficult for us to give them proper care!!!!

Yes, think about how to increase that ratio - three may do it - it will depend on the drake.

And you are so right - ducks seem so very susceptible to predation. Sheesh.

Some thoughts are whether you could use a dog crate inside a protected area (I cannot quite picture your setup, so ignore what won't possibly work), or just split an existing area with some extra fence temporarily.