Drake mating/ratio question

[1acrebackyard]

My drake (Ducky Norris) is bonded with his mate, Waddles. They’re my only ducks and have been rais

ed with my pullets. Both just around 6 Months. Waddles just started laying this week.
However Ducky Norris Has taken an interest to my tiniest chicken. Once I read up on here that what he was doing wasn’t harassment but rather trying to mate with her. He has been in Duckie jail while we set up a new fence to separate the ducks and chickens and our pen area. I am also just now noticing that Waddle’s neck has some thinned out spots from him mating her. My question is once I get them separated permanently from the Chickens, should we get another female duck so that he is not too much for waddles? Really looking for any advice you guys have!! Thank you

 

[Miss Lydia]

Great you have already started fencing to separate Ducky Norris from your chickens if he ever mates with your tiny one he’d kill her for sure and most likely any other of your hens so that’s a great move. Yes DN needs more females if possible2 more would be good . As you can see by Waddles neck drakes can really work them over during mating season. So a good ratio of drake to females is 1 to at least 3 if you can go higher fine but at least 3 femalesfor DN your girls will be grateful.

 

[1acrebackyard]

Thank you! Very helpful

 

[chickens really]

Yes...Separated pens are definitely best. Two more Hens will help with the Ducks also..

 

[1acrebackyard]

We’re now going to add at least 2! Next question...any advice on introducing them to our 2? Are they like chickens?

 

[chickens really]

We’re now going to add at least 2! Next question...any advice on introducing them to our 2? Are they like chickens?

It's actually really easy with Ducks. A look no touch crate or pen and then let them out as they free range..Only about 30 minutes to see each other. A bit of neck tying and Bossiness will happen. Ducks generally like other Ducks.

 

[chickens really]

Definitely make sure they are Hens though..No more Drakes..

 

[1acrebackyard]

Definitely make sure they are Hens though..No more Drakes..

Yes! For sure! Thank you!! Pleased to hear its much easier with ducks. Thank you for your help

 

[chickens really]

Yes! For sure! Thank you!! Pleased to hear its much easier with ducks. Thank you for your help

Yes...As long as the new ones are not Ducklings the Drake will welcome them in..The Hen will be Bossy or just happy. Like introducing dogs really..