Duck aggression

[MolliMonster99]

Hi gang! My 1 year old runner drake Cleopatra is an absolute delight in my flock. All my drakes and hens get along with each other, no violent incidents have occurred and everyone is happy!

However... Cleo has started showing aggression towards us humans. He bit me the other day for the first time and left a small bruise. This was probably my own fault as I was dodging his bites (I thought he was trying to "preen" my hand and I didn't want to get covered in muck), but he got me. Today, I opened the coop door as I do every night and said goodnight to my flock. He instantly barged his way to the front and kept trying to bite me. I was trying to clear the door from straw so it would fully close, when he bit me twice on my arm. They are small bruises, no puncture wounds.

My other 2 drakes are calm, let me handle them and make no attempt to bite me. My females are the same. I'm concerned as to why he is the only one acting out in this way and what can I do to prevent it? I have tried gently moving him away with my hand, but he comes marching back. I've also tried holding him down (resting my hand on his back and making him sit, which I read somewhere online) and that sometimes works, but I'm still worried. Getting rid of him is also out of the question; he isn't harming the flock, just us non-feathered folk. Thanks gang!

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Runner drake isn't aggressive it's my Muscovy drake who thinks he is the mafia. When he get aggressive I pick him up and toss him into the pool that usually diverts his attention for a while. Sometimes I turn the hose on him that makes him leave me alone too. If I hold him down he comes right back and usually the second time gets through to him. Also carrying a broom to keep distance between you and him. I have even swatted my Drake on the butt with the broom Not hard but just to get through to his hard head.

 

[DukesDucks]

One of my Muscovy drakes gets aggressive at this time of year. I carry a broom or shavings fork. He and I have established a safe distance of separation. I make a point of trying to avoid a situation where he feels challenged ie don't make eye contact.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh them boys gotta love them!

 

[MolliMonster99]

One of my Muscovy drakes gets aggressive at this time of year. I carry a broom or shavings fork. He and I have established a safe distance of separation. I make a point of trying to avoid a situation where he feels challenged ie don't make eye contact.

I have a friend who Cleo absolutely adores. He always let's her stroke him, pick him up, etc. They're practically best friends! She went to feed my flock some dandelion leaves yesterday and he was getting a little aggressive towards her too! I will definitely try to avoid eye contact with him, but I will also try to keep my distance from him too.

 

[MolliMonster99]

I have a friend who Cleo absolutely adores. He always let's her stroke him, pick him up, etc. They're practically best friends! She went to feed my flock some dandelion leaves yesterday and he was getting a little aggressive towards her too! I will definitely try to avoid eye contact with him, but I will also try to keep my distance from him too.

Also, it's not even like he's being a butthead every day! Sometimes he's back to his usual self, but then other days he thinks he's Mike Tyson!

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

Also, it's not even like he's being a butthead every day! Sometimes he's back to his usual self, but then other days he thinks he's Mike Tyson!

Mine started this after his girl started to nest. He got me many times on the arm. I did the pin him down over and over and over I would do it 8 times in a row if he kept coming back. He did calm down after awhile. He still gives a little chase if I turn my back but his biting has stopped. It was at a point where I couldn’t have my skin showing he would attack. Now I can wear tank tops and sandals. I stayed calm but firm
Now if he chases me I pick him up and make him cuddle. He hates that more then getting pinned down

 

[MolliMonster99]

Mine started this after his girl started to nest. He got me many times on the arm. I did the pin him down over and over and over I would do it 8 times in a row if he kept coming back. He did calm down after awhile. He still gives a little chase if I turn my back but his biting has stopped. It was at a point where I couldn’t have my skin showing he would attack. Now I can wear tank tops and sandals. I stayed calm but firm
Now if he chases me I pick him up and make him cuddle. He hates that more then getting pinned down

I may have to try that! I've gotten some nasty bruises from his bites and he's not the biggest fan of cuddles, so maybe that'll work

 

[DukesDucks]

I don't think I am going to try and cuddle with my 15lb and 32" wing span Muscovy drake.

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

I don't think I am going to try and cuddle with my 15lb and 32" wing span Muscovy drake.

Might be slightly harder
My drake is khaki and smaller lol