Drake dismay causing rethinking?

[Duckfarmer1]

Yes, harsh reality. Every so often I got lucky and a few boys found homes where they were wanted for being what they are.
However, there's been a few really mean drakes that became dinner.

You need to always aim for what creates the safest and happiest home for the majority. Drakes really challenge happiness, and safety, in bird flocks.
Spend some time watching the flock. Make your best decisions after evaluating behavior of each male. Not all are mean. A few real nice guys can be kept and a few rehomed. Mean drakes should be honored at 350* until golden brown.

I love this whole thread until the 350’ degrees part...ugh.. I suppose this is something I could do for the best of my rest. I’m tired of going out to hurt ducks.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

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.

I think it’s going to be a tough few weeks

 

[chickens really]

@Duckfarmer1
I understand you just acquired all these animals but definitely need to rethink the program of what to do with males. You also have lots of chickens too and need to think about the Cockerels also.
It's sad but gets easier because without changes things will definitely get stressful..

 

[sourland]

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...

"Good fences make for good neighbors". Works for ducks too. It's the only way. Large enclosures separated by fencing. It is a fact that things will get worse as drakes mature and day light period increases.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Duckfarmer1 most of us keep ducks as pets and understand how hard it is to make these tough decisions. If you brought these ducks home and think of them as live stock then rational thing is to process extra drakes. If you thought I'll rescue and be a bird sanctuary then you'll have to figure out other ways to keep them so they don't harm, or kill the females or them selves. It's not easy, Main reason I practice birth control with my poultry I know it can get out of hand. We have had to process extra roosters and made chicken an dumplings out of them. Just didn't kill them to get rid of them. You've asked for help and the options aren't that many. But I can tell you with your Muscovy your going to have to take up eggs every day or you'll be over populated in the your first year they become breeding age. And they will sit on anyone's eggs to.

 

[quackiemama]

That's my personal business...

Ummmm ok I just figured since you were sharing what you did with your culled drakes it was no secret. Nevermind I wasn't trying to intrude just wondering what others do with the carcasses.

 

[quackiemama]

@Duckfarmer1 most of us keep ducks as pets and understand how hard it is to make these tough decisions. If you brought these ducks home and think of them as live stock then rational thing is to process extra drakes. If you thought I'll rescue and be a bird sanctuary then you'll have to figure out other ways to keep them so they don't harm, or kill the females or them selves. It's not easy, Main reason I practice birth control with my poultry I know it can get out of hand. We have had to process extra roosters and made chicken an dumplings out of them. Just didn't kill them to get rid of them. You've asked for help and the options aren't that many. But I can tell you with your Muscovy your going to have to take up eggs every day or you'll be over populated in the your first year they become breeding age. And they will sit on anyone's eggs to.

 

[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...

I have a lot of short fences, in and out of the secure run. I have less birds so I can divide up my yard fairly easily. Daylight is the big factor, longer days make crazy drakes. Less light calms them down. I’ve heard of people light neutering them by keeping them in the dark, but couldn’t find much info in it.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I have a lot of short fences, in and out of the secure run. I have less birds so I can divide up my yard fairly easily. Daylight is the big factor, longer days make crazy drakes. Less light calms them down. I’ve heard of people light neutering them by keeping them in the dark, but couldn’t find much info in it.

Can you make them wear really dark sunglasses?

 

[thumper650]

Can you make them wear really dark sunglasses?

Not Sunglasses.........

I’m getting my boys shades!!!!!!!!!