Lanklow5790
In the Brooder
Hi! We have a drake Pekin; a female Runner, and a very small female Mallard (wild, but raised by us since day one). All of them are about 6 months old.
They are free range in our suburban backyard, but in their house and run at night.
Pekin is the leader of the flock. He likes to mate, but doesn’t seem like a crazed maniac. No signs of missing neck feathers, nor blood. Recently, however, the Mallard seems stressed - puffy head feathers, hiding. Pekin seems to mate most often with the Runner (who appears willing the majority of the time). If the Pekin mates with the little Mallard less often, but when they do, the size difference is obvious and significant - and the Mallard has never appeared willing, but tries to run and escape.
Is it time to re-home the Pekin? I’m concerned about if I’m overly humanizing the ducks, and/or how to know it’s no longer working to have all 3. (Also not sure that we have the space to separate the Pekin from the females.)
Suggestions and opinions are appreciated. Thanks for your time!
They are free range in our suburban backyard, but in their house and run at night.
Pekin is the leader of the flock. He likes to mate, but doesn’t seem like a crazed maniac. No signs of missing neck feathers, nor blood. Recently, however, the Mallard seems stressed - puffy head feathers, hiding. Pekin seems to mate most often with the Runner (who appears willing the majority of the time). If the Pekin mates with the little Mallard less often, but when they do, the size difference is obvious and significant - and the Mallard has never appeared willing, but tries to run and escape.
Is it time to re-home the Pekin? I’m concerned about if I’m overly humanizing the ducks, and/or how to know it’s no longer working to have all 3. (Also not sure that we have the space to separate the Pekin from the females.)
Suggestions and opinions are appreciated. Thanks for your time!
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