Ducks and geese help!!!

[JamieMcClain]

We recently adopted 2 mallards who’s owner could no longer care for them. They are both males and around 4-6 months old. My Toulouse Geese (2 females) have always “ran our flock” and when we first got the mallards that didn’t change. The geese kept them in line. Starting yesterday this has switch. The Mallards are chasing the geese around the yard. Separating them and bullying them. They never catch them but I hate to see/hear my girls cry from being apart. If I’m outside with them I obviously put it to a halt. But I know it goes on all day. Is this normal? Why aren’t my geese sticking up for themselves anymore? I separated them for over 2 weeks in the beginning and they still don’t all sleep together. The mallards dont mess with any of the other ducks. I think they actually fear my Muscovy.

 

[HalfWayUpAMountain]

Have you tried any sort of 'aversion therapy' ? lots of different views on how to do it.

We have a super long bamboo cane for just these occasions - you have to be out there with them. As soon as the duck is lining up for action, you put the stick between them and their intended victim. No need to hit anyone with it or whip it through the air - they just need to know when they do certain things, Mr Stick pays a visit and blocks them.

Ducks learn very quickly indeed so its not something you will be doing for weeks.

The alternative is to seperate them so they can still see each other and see if that calms things down - I would put the mallards on their own.

Good luck and keep us updated pls !

 

[Miss Lydia]

I did the long pole when teaching my geese to leave my dogs alone. If my Runner drake starts to run down one of my Muscovy ducks he gets blasted with the hose. He hasn’t learned any thing yet but it gives me satisfaction. Separating will work too.

 

[donkeydew2farms]

I did the long pole when teaching my geese to leave my dogs alone. If my Runner drake starts to run down one of my Muscovy ducks he gets blasted with the hose. He hasn’t learned any thing yet but it gives me satisfaction. Separating will work too.

I Love it.

 

[JamieMcClain]

Have you tried any sort of 'aversion therapy' ? lots of different views on how to do it.

We have a super long bamboo cane for just these occasions - you have to be out there with them. As soon as the duck is lining up for action, you put the stick between them and their intended victim. No need to hit anyone with it or whip it through the air - they just need to know when they do certain things, Mr Stick pays a visit and blocks them.

Ducks learn very quickly indeed so its not something you will be doing for weeks.

The alternative is to seperate them so they can still see each other and see if that calms things down - I would put the mallards on their own.

Good luck and keep us updated pls !

Currently we run them off screaming lol. They’re in timeout today staying in the run while the geese and other ducks free range. Hopefully they’ll figure out soon that they can’t be mean. I wish the geese would just turn around and whoop up on them since they’re much larger!

 

[HalfWayUpAMountain]

Currently we run them off screaming lol. They’re in timeout today staying in the run while the geese and other ducks free range. Hopefully they’ll figure out soon that they can’t be mean. I wish the geese would just turn around and whoop up on them since they’re much larger!

Whatever works right ?

Wrt your female geese not taking them in hand with a can of whoopass, you may find thats down to a good old patriarchal hierarchy at play.

So its probs down to you to be The Big Boss regardless of your chromosomes

 

[jaykayhuff]

I did the long pole when teaching my geese to leave my dogs alone. If my Runner drake starts to run down one of my Muscovy ducks he gets blasted with the hose. He hasn’t learned any thing yet but it gives me satisfaction. Separating will work too.

Hose blasting is my favorite weapon of choice too!!!!