Drake Question

[mamaof2wi]

We are not looking to hatch any eggs. I am wondering if there is any other reason to have a drake in the flock? The reason I ask is because I’m getting tired of the aggressiveness of our drakes, They got a hold of one of our four week old ducklings and beat it up. I do notice they seem to be on Watch/alert so I am wondering if they are good protectors of the flock? If they do protect the flock I’ll be willing to deal with them being jerks

 

[HollowOfWisps]

The degree of protection that they provide is minimal. I have watched my Drake's chase off my sheltie, but my sheltie wouldn't hurt a fly. When they saw a raccoon my Drake's got quiet and ran while my hens sounded the alarm which is what caught my attention. Will they chase off a stray cat walking by? Maybe, but any predator that's going to do any real damage isn't going to be intimidated by a drake. If you're not going to breed there is no real benefit in having them mixed in your flock and if anything just more work for you come breeding season.

 

[mamaof2wi]

The degree of protection that they provide is minimal. I have watched my Drake's chase off my sheltie, but my sheltie wouldn't hurt a fly. When they saw a raccoon my Drake's got quiet and ran while my hens sounded the alarm which is what caught my attention. Will they chase off a stray cat walking by? Maybe, but any predator that's going to do any real damage isn't going to be intimidated by a drake. If you're not going to breed there is no real benefit in having them mixed in your flock and if anything just more work for you come breeding season.

Thank you!!

 

[fatty and friends]

i have 3 drakes and 2 hens (seperated of course) and i will never get hens again, only drakes. i love my girls but drakes have less health issues (egg binding, calcium deficiency, etc) and overall make better pets