Duck escaping/Drake ducks

[DrakeMom]

1. Every morning when I go outside to do chores, Kephir as escaped his pen again. Zephir never does. Their pen is made out of old privacy fence panels. They were cut so the fence would sand maybe 3 feet high. As Jumbo Pekins aren't very great at flying, it didn't expect them to escape. I'm think I will need to clip their wings. Does anyone have tips for me?
2. Since both Zephir and Kephir are males, I'm planning on getting two ducklings soon in hopes they'll be females. If they are, will Zephir and Kephir try to take over dominacy?

 

[drumstick diva]

sorry I have no knowledge of ducks but, if you click on the "Forums" at top of page, you can scroll down to "Duck forum," and get good advice from experienced breeders.

Welcome to Backyard Chickens (and ducks, etc)

 

[007Sean]

Howdy

Thanks for joining us!

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Glad that you joined us!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Hopefully the duck folks will be able to help you with your questions.

 

[Table4Six]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined our community of crazy poultry lovers!

I have two Jumbo Pekins who would, by no means, be able to fly over a three foot fence. Are you sure there isn’t a gap somewhere around the perimeter where they are slipping through/under? In regards to acquiring two more ducklings in hopes they would be girls, I’m sure your boys would love that, but it would certainly put the females safety at risk and definitely encourage fighting over dominance with your drakes. It is also very unlikely you would end up with two females from straight run. Many people say three hens per drake, I would strongly encourage five to a drake as especially during breeding season males get extremely pesky because of hormone spikes. Good luck with your ducks and keep us posted. Another big welcome!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Please come join us on the duck forum. To answer your question about ducklings best get all sexed females at least 4 and up for each of your two Pekin drakes they are so hormonal they will over mate less. And you need to be aware once you bring females into the mix your boys may become arch enemies. Is Kephir escaping because Zephir is bullying him it’s that time of year if your in spring time.

 

[DrakeMom]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined our community of crazy poultry lovers!

I have two Jumbo Pekins who would, by no means, be able to fly over a three foot fence. Are you sure there isn’t a gap somewhere around the perimeter where they are slipping through/under? In regards to acquiring two more ducklings in hopes they would be girls, I’m sure your boys would love that, but it would certainly put the females safety at risk and definitely encourage fighting over dominance with your drakes. It is also very unlikely you would end up with two females from straight run. Many people say three hens per drake, I would strongly encourage five to a drake as especially during breeding season males get extremely pesky because of hormone spikes. Good luck with your ducks and keep us posted. Another big welcome!

Zephir and Kephir bully each other equally. They only have an argument when one wants to ave the whole duck pool to himself. There is no other way for Kephir to get out except by flight. I'm thinking he may use the horizontal boards on the fence as "steps". Is there any tried and true way to sex a ducking?

 

[Table4Six]

Zephir and Kephir bully each other equally. They only have an argument when one wants to ave the whole duck pool to himself. There is no other way for Kephir to get out except by flight. I'm thinking he may use the horizontal boards on the fence as "steps". Is there any tried and true way to sex a ducking?

There is vent-sexing but it should only be done by those who are experienced as it could potentially injure the duckling. I know Metzer Farms offers sexed female ducklings and they have some beautiful breeds, I think their site would be worth looking in to. I have ordered from them before and been happy.

 

[DrakeMom]

There is vent-sexing but it should only be done by those who are experienced as it could potentially injure the duckling. I know Metzer Farms offers sexed female ducklings and they have some beautiful breeds, I think their site would be worth looking in to. I have ordered from them before and been happy.

Okay that's SO much for your help and support. I'm kinda at a lost of wat to do right now because I want to get female Jumbo Pekins so we will have duck eggs. But I don't think dad will approve of getting at least 6 ducklings this spring... He's not very partial to ducks... Giving one drake away isn't an option for me... Do you know if you order under 20(?) ducks from Metzer Farms if they send extras along? We ordered female chicks from some other hatchery and they sent lots of male chicks along for warmth...