Duck Behavioral Problem

[poultrypalooza]

I have several ducks. I have 2 Pekin Hens that are 2 years old; 1 Pekin Hen that is 1 year old; 2 Peking Hens that are young (this Spring Ducklings); and I have 5 Khaki Campbells (2 Hens and 3 Drakes) that are 4 months old. I will be getting rid of two of the KC Drakes soon because I keep ducks for the eggs and I only want 1 drake. My Drakes are starting to exhibit sexual behavior but are still clumsy and don't really know what they are doing. Two of them (the two I'm getting rid of), are starting to act like "bullies", especially to the Pekin Hens (another reason I'm getting rid of them.) None of that really has anything to do with my question, but is just to give an idea of the dynamic of my flock.

My 3 oldest Pekin Hens seem to have a gender identity problem. They all, to one extreme or the other, act like drakes. They will mount each other and act like they are mating. It really annoys me!! This behavior has been going on for at least a year, even before I had the KC Drakes. My question is this:
1. Is this normal behavior?
2. Why does it happen?
3. Is there anything I can do to stop it?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

I've heard that will happen without a drake present. Maybe having a drake will stop it? I'm curious to see others peoples ideas.

 

[Nyssa03]

I think, from observation, that it is normal behavior. They don't hurt each other (as the drakes do). I don't think you can stop it, just ignore them.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Yes I think it's totally normal. It's who's the boss. Gender/equipment not so important.

 

[Jeniep]

I also am having problems with a male duck that is harassing and chewing the heck out of one of the females. We have 2 females and four males. Only one of the males display aggressive behavior to the one female.

The second female is sitting on a nest that she created just a few days ago. I am not sure this is a stable flock of ducks to add little ones to. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

The male chases the female every night and she screams till no one gets any sleep including me and my husband.:/

 

[Miss Lydia]

I also am having problems with a male duck that is harassing and chewing the heck out of one of the females. We have 2 females and four males. Only one of the males display aggressive behavior to the one female.

The second female is sitting on a nest that she created just a few days ago. I am not sure this is a stable flock of ducks to add little ones to. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

The male chases the female every night and she screams till no one gets any sleep including me and my husband.

I 2ducks to 4 drakes is unbalanced so now your 1 duck is really in danger. and you say at night she is being chased so does that mean they are outside with out protection?

2 Ducks to 4 drakes is unbalanced Your going to lose that female especially if she is the only one who can be mated right now. The aggressive drake needs to go either rehome him he'll stress this lone duck out so much she eventually die or he'll kill her from over mating. It would be best to rehome 2 drakes or build a pen for them so they have their own space. Then if your sitting duck hatches any ducks they will have mates but you can't avoid this is a big problem that maybe added if she hatches more drakes which most likely she will. If you have concerns about adding ducklings to your existing flock why are you letting her sit? All you have to do is take the eggs, I have 4 ducks right now broody as all get out but i keep taking all eggs so they can't hatch anymore ducklings and throw the balance off by adding more drakes here.