Drake to Duck Ratio

[BjaJra826]

I bought 2 ducklings from Orschlen's 2 weeks ago and hatched 4 from eggs Sunday. When I vent checked my older ducklings i didn't find a penis so I am assuming girls, but of my 4 hatchlings 3 of the 4 are definatly males. The thing is, i worked so hard to bring these guys into tbe world and I want to keep them. I know the recomended ratio is 1 drake -2/4 ducks but can a 3/3 ratio work out? Is there anything I can do to help keep things peaceful in our flock? I really don't want to rehome after fighing so hard to hatch them. They are frpm a mixed breed flock but i think the boys are a pekin, a blue swedish, and a rouen/blue swedish cross.

 

[DuckyDonna]

They are so sweet! @thumper650 has a lot of drakes together so maybe he will have some advice for you.

 

[chickens really]

That's the chances we take hatching eggs. I definitely sell off all Drakes..They can and will be a handful once mature.

 

[BjaJra826]

Thanks! They were my first attempt at hatching eggs. I bought them from e-bay, and if the 12 only 5 made it to hatching day. But my humidity was really wonky throughout the incubation because of inexperience and human error. I had to assist them getting through the membrane ( shell cracked normally but membrane was super thick and they started shrink-wrapping).

 

[TheBeardie]

During spring breeding season its best to have 4-5 ducks to drake ratio. It depends on how tolarent multiple drakes are of each other. I have 2 drakes to 4 ducks, they are muscovies. The older drake spends more time trying to keep the other drake from breeding the ducks than trying to breed the ducks himself. It's really works out for ducks, less breeding on the girls and the boys do get along for the most part.

I can't get more females at the moment, but I would if I could. I'd probably get 5 or 6 more.

I've heard of people using an equal ratio when it's not breeding season. I'm not sure how well that will work out for you. I would rehome most of the drakes. It will be very hard on the ducks later if you don't.

 

[chickens really]

I have two Call Drakes and 10 Hens. I have to keep everyone separated or the fighting is terrible..

 

[thumper650]

You may have to seperate them next year in the spring. Mine are seperated pekin with pekin and runner with runner. So far things are ok, but they may need seperate quarters where they can see but not touch. My guys freak out if they're not in sight of each other. Your babies are adorable. I'm thinking of hatching something in August. Never done it before.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You may have to seperate them next year in the spring. Mine are seperated pekin with pekin and runner with runner. So far things are ok, but they may need seperate quarters where they can see but not touch. My guys freak out if they're not in sight of each other. Your babies are adorable. I'm thinking of hatching something in August. Never done it before.

I’m watching you!