Drake is mating with my 7 week old Duckling/duck

[2Myanimals]

My 5 ducklings are on their own now and their moms is no longer attending to them. They are doing fine on their own since 3 of them were really never raised by her. While my drake was chasing them a week or two ago, I figured he was doing so to deter the mom from attending so she was more receptive to him. Today I saw him trying to mount my 7 week old duckling who is still a baby obviously. I keep thinking that I should let nature take over BUT I just dont think this is right. He has 3 other grown up ducks to mate with and is the only drake (don’t know the sex of all of my ducklings). Any suggestions?

 

[JustHenny]

I would try to separate a bit if possible. It may not do any harm to the little guys, but drake could be a bit aggressive and the size difference can be a problem. Crushing and all. I don't know where your water source for them is, but perhaps you could do a half and half. Or put out a baby pool in a different area for the ducklings until they match up a bit more in size. Just keep an eye on them. Spring is a crazy time for most critters, he is just doing what nature tells him I guess.

 

[Amiga]

I want to say this as kindly as I can: Nature, shmature, keep the drake away from the babies.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I want to say this as kindly as I can: Nature, shmature, keep the drake away from the babies.

X2. Go ahead and let the girls be with the ducklings-- No drakes tho.

 

[Richb353]

I agree with Amiga,
My drake has twice plucked bald spots into a couple of my two month olds on different occasions. For whatever reason, the other ducks would peck at the bald spots/scabs as well. Thankfully ducks heal pretty quickly, so the injured ones would spend a few nights in the healing pen (my Golden's old crate) and would return to the flock without issues. As for the drake, I will separate him from the rest of the flock for days at a time. Thankfully, the little ones are now just about full sized and can manage for themselves. Also, it seems like the horny season is winding down as my adult drake is not as aggressive as he was a month ago.

Good luck,
Rich