Ducks killing other ducks

[GirlsHuntToo]

So yesterday I put my ducks in the pool and put fresh water in it and let them swim around as I always do everyday. I went back in house leaving them alone like every other day. They were Jumbo Pekin. I got them St.Run at Tractor Supply and I got 3 males and 1 female. I came out to put some of my eggs up for sale and looked over and the three drakes were all out of the pool. And the female duck, Amelia, was flouting dead. I don't see any marks or blood anywhere on her. What could have happened??? I just don't understand why they would do a thing like that.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

They tried to mount her in the pool and she drowned. They weren’t trying to kill her, but that’s definitely something to be careful of when you have multiple large breed male ducks with only one female.

 

[Jenbirdee]

this happens a lot in the wild too, when there are more drakes than hens. The best ratio for drakes to hens is 1 drake for every 3-5 hens.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Very sorry for your loss

 

[nuthatched]

Was there only the one female?

 

[GirlsHuntToo]

Was there only the one female?

yes they were st.run so I didnt know what I was going to get

 

[GirlsHuntToo]

I am going to cull the three male pekins and in the spring get 6 new female ducks. Any thoughts on the breeds - I don't want any more pekins - and also I don't want them to fly away

 

[Pollo Blanco]

I got 3 males and 1 female.

Recipe for disaster, as you found out.
You'll need no fewer than a dozen females, and some will disagree with me and say that you need more, and they may be right, too!

 

[Pollo Blanco]

I am going to cull the three male pekins and in the spring get 6 new female ducks. Any thoughts

Yes, rehome the males, and carry on with your plans for spring.
This will give you time to build a secure coop and a secure pen.

 

[Baylee_baby_]

You had more drakes than hens. Just one drake needs 4 or more females.