Duck Behavior

[BarbaraMason]

I had a male duck that was by himself for about a year. I thought he needed a companion so, we came back with 2 female ducks from the local TSC (you can't buy just one). We did not immediately put them in the cage with him because they were small. We let them get bigger and started to get their feathers. The first intro went bad he jumped on one of the female ducks. So we grabbed him and separated him back out. a month or so later when they did get their feathers it seemed that they were getting along and even sleeping by the fence with one another. So we reintroduced him and it seemed to go ok. One of the female ducks, I noticed, had a bad limp. Well, we were good with that and ok with it but every time she would try and get in the pool the male duck would get on top of her and bite her on the back of the neck. I thought they were having "relations" so we kind of let it go. But then it seemed to increase and he would actually try and push her head under the water and hold her there. Now, why would he do that? He did not do that to the other duck which seems "normal". Has anyone got any ideas or experience with this??

 

[FarmInProgress]

It’s just boys doing their thing. Yes it looks like they’re trying to kill them but they’re not. My poor little Mallard gets mated it on by our big pekin drake... I feel so bad for her

 

[BarbaraMason]

Wow, really'?? I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Her tail feathers are missing or worn too are you sure that's normal?

 

[Goosebaby]

Ducks can be really rough

 

[Miss Lydia]

Has she started molting yet for this season? As for looking like they are drowning them yep that’s normal. Now if more than one drake gets on a female they can really drown one.

 

[BarbaraMason]

Holy Crap!! I guess I've got to apologize to Duck Rogers. Luckily it is 2 female (Maizy and Daisy) and just the one male. She just got her feathers so I wouldn't think she would be molting. I really appreciate all of y'alls help with this. I hope to have goose eggs soon and some little bitty ducks. I have a lot more room for a lot more fence!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Love to see them when you can.

 

[BarbaraMason]

I will definitely try and get some pictures for you.

 

[Beaglegal]

I had a male duck that was by himself for about a year. I thought he needed a companion so, we came back with 2 female ducks from the local TSC (you can't buy just one). We did not immediately put them in the cage with him because they were small. We let them get bigger and started to get their feathers. The first intro went bad he jumped on one of the female ducks. So we grabbed him and separated him back out. a month or so later when they did get their feathers it seemed that they were getting along and even sleeping by the fence with one another. So we reintroduced him and it seemed to go ok. One of the female ducks, I noticed, had a bad limp. Well, we were good with that and ok with it but every time she would try and get in the pool the male duck would get on top of her and bite her on the back of the neck. I thought they were having "relations" so we kind of let it go. But then it seemed to increase and he would actually try and push her head under the water and hold her there. Now, why would he do that? He did not do that to the other duck which seems "normal". Has anyone got any ideas or experience with this??

This is normal, male ducks are not gentle lovers