ducks fighting

[alfierobs]

Hi, I am new to keeping ducks and need help with a problem of drakes fighting.
I had 4 ducks (1 male, 3 female) we decided to try and hatch some eggs and in may we had 5 ducklings, the largest of which is a male, everything has been ok until now. My older male has started chasing the youngster around the enclosure, as yet he has been unable to do more than pluck a few feathers.
Can someone please tell me if this is normal and will it settle down or do i need to separate them before the youngster gets hurt.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

It is normal. What is the official ratio now of males to females? How much room do they have?

There's a chance things could settle, but there's a chance the youngster could get hurt. I would consider separating them especially if there is a large size difference.

 

[alfierobs]

thanks, there are now 2 males and 7 females i think, their enclosure is large about 10 metres x10 metres, so the youngster manages to run away, they are the same breed and the size difference is not so great but the youngster is a little nervous.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

In that case (pending there are no serious injuries) I would give them more time. It's normal for males to be territorial though. My drake chases my rooster all over the yard just because he can

 

[alfierobs]

thats great thanks for your help, i will give it a bit of time a hope they settle.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Good luck