Drakes pros and cons

[Myrkk]

I’m really struggling with whether or not to get a drake. We have 2 LF silver appleyard hens and 3 chickens (2 Scot’s greys and one partridge Plymouth Rock).

The ducks are head bobbing and mounting each other lots and one now vibrates its head when I go to stroke her or offer her treats. I feel a bit mean that they are obviously wanting to mate. These two girls have full free range of our garden.

The chickens are kept in their pen for the majority of the day being let out when we get home from work. It’s the only way I can keep my garden as they were wrecking it. One of the duck hens was trying to mount one of the Scots greys today.

I’m aware that ideally I should have another couple of duck hens for a single drake but don’t have the space for more. I’m also aware that drakes can kill hens if they try to mate them. It seems mean to get a drake and keep the chooks or him in a run all the time.

What do you all think/suggest. Anyone able to help me make up my mind?

 

[Isadora]

I wouldn't add a drake at this time. Seldom is a drake satisfied with only two females to mate. He would probably either go after your chickens or scalp his lady ducks with his frequency. I think it would only add a new angle to your problem.

 

[Myrkk]

Thanks Isadora. I don’t really want a drake, but feel bad for the girls.

 

[KathiQuacks]

I would not add a drake, not with the chickens and the lack of space for more hens.

I also would not feel too bad for them, either. Hens are very crazy mating-wise. They seem to enjoy being on top and may continue to mount each other despite a drake being available. At least, I know mine do, lol.

 

[Papaye]

Hello.

You can't be certain a drake won't rape your chickens to death because he is not satisfied with only 2 girls...

But instead of bringing a drake to your duck hens, you could want to buy another female : if ever one of your ducks die, the other will be alone, and might then be depressed - and even die from loneliness...
(Do think about it.)

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Thanks Isadora. I don’t really want a drake, but feel bad for the girls.

I have 9 females and one drake. Let me tell ya.. those girls head bob vibrate and mount each other regardless I feel sorry for my drake. They get him all excited and leave him high and dry.
It's not a matter if too many hens either.
They done the same way when I only had 4 girls.
Unless you just WANT a drake I wouldn't worry about it. Yes, a few more hens is a good idea if you do get a drake, but even that is no guarentee you won't have issues. In my experience they tend to pick a favorite and run her half to death and I have to put him in drake jail anyway.