Drake drowning duck ?

[Miss Lydia]

I am sorry this has happened. Something we can't can't understand in the animal kingdom and this is one for me. Hormones has a lot to do with it and dominance. Drakes are known to gang up on females and drown them and I have seen my geese gang up on a female Muscovy in the pool [Male female geese] so it isn't uncommon. Just no idea why they tend to single out another flock member unless they pick up on something we can't see like sickness or weakness. As for drowning any of the others, that is something you'll have to watch closely for. Is he picking on someone now? That maybe just a one time incident I sure hope so.

 

[Amiga]

Old thread I know but maybe someone can help.

Yesterday they were out in our woods which is currently flooded. It's not deeper than 1.5'. Last night I was missing the one hen and just found her today. My drake drowned her!
I don't know why he suddenly had a problem with just her. Will he do this to my other hens? Please help!

Sorry for your loss. Bean started taking an unhealthy fixation on Romy, so he and his two girls are no longer part of the flock that Romy runs with. It is a minor extra effort, but I want to protect Romy. They can run together, supervised, in winter, but from early spring on, not at all.

I do not know what snaps with some drakes. But it can.