Drake dismay causing rethinking?

[chickens really]

Are you kidding is that why the wink?

No ...I'm not kidding..

 

[quackiemama]

What other animals are you feeding the drakes to when you cull them?

 

[chickens really]

What other animals are you feeding the drakes to when you cull them?

That's my personal business...

 

[chickengr]

I had the same problem. I cried when I had to butcher my first roos and drakes. but I somehow convinced myself they had a good life while it lasted. and I like a good homemade soup.

 

[sourland]

As you are learning drake testosterone can drive them a bit nuts. I have been reading your posts and minding my own business thinking, "Soon reality will hit." Drakes are hormone driven. They will fight, over breed females, hurt females and one another, inadvertently drown females if there is swimming water. It will get worse as spring approaches. Your Dad's intervention would appear to be an excellent solution. If he is like you, I know that his culling will be humane and quick. Drake flocks can work during the non breeding season, but once spring arrives all heck will break loose. I sincerely wish you good luck with this.

 

[thumper650]

I’m the one @WannaBeHillBilly was referring to.
I have, as of yesterday, 7 drakes and one girl. She lives seperate with her 2 drakes, one of which is partially blind. She’s not over mated, and she is the boss.
My drake flock of 5 live on the other side. They do fight in spring and need tiny fences to coexist.
Your situation sounds a little crazy. I say that with love though. We all love our ducks, and I thank you for taking them in. I think it’s time though to get rid of some boys, unless you can give them their own area. I think eating them is a good option. @Henry&Friends said it best. You gave them a good life, even if it’s not a long one.

 

[chickens really]

Yes. The reality of Drake flocks is a farmer separates the Drakes for butchering before the next season begins. Not trying to keep Drakes as pets..

 

[Jpat]

...No I don't eat them. They go for other animals in need of food.

Feeding wild animals leads to food conditioned predators, but it would make great raw dog food, if you didnt already know that

 

[Duckfarmer1]

If you have enough space, you could set up a separate drake-only flock. Some members hera have drake-only flocks, can't remember if it was @Jpat or @thumper650 …

I saw that before, I have the space, but how do you keep them apart during the day? I didn’t get ducks to lock them up...

 

[chickens really]

I saw that before, I have the space, but how do you keep them apart during the day? I didn’t get ducks to lock them up...

If they hear and know Hens are available they fight. Zero way of getting around hormones.