err aggravating drake!!

[jessa2723]

Good morning BYC. So im a bit irritated with oddie, my drake. Now that my ladies have been laying he has been super aggressive, chasing us while nipping at our heels, pulling at our pant legs, even when filling the food bowl im getting nipped. We have been consistent with "mounting" him but its not helping. After all the snow we got yesterday they are prefered to stay in their house, so i got nipped real good while feeding/ collecting eggs this morning. I am assuming this is normal with the ladies laying now, but i need advice on what i can do about it.

 

[sourland]

Not all drakes behave like this. Bad drakes like bad roosters taste especially good. There are always drakes available, why not get a good one?

 

[Deleted member 94844]

When my older drake came of age, he acted like this for a few months and then mellowed out. Now he is a total sweetie and never nips at me unless he's really hungry or needs attention. He just sits on my lap and snuggles. His idiot son, however, has been like that since hitting puberty and drives me nuts to this day. Nothing I've tried will chill him out. He is always on me and hurts me. I need to throw him into the pond to get a few seconds to put treats down, etc. and he will still climb out and come gunning for me. I have tried every training method I've heard of, tapping his bill, holding his head to the ground, swift kicks, death threats, and nothing deters him. Look forward to reading what advice others give you as I am tired of the abuse and bruises and am starting to think that culling is the only answer. Good luck!

 

[jessa2723]

Sourland: ya I'm so not eating my duck. Thanks anyway tho.
Captainquack: I'm glad I'm not the only one. He has always been the sweet one that is easiest to handle and loves to snuggle. Lol and I totally have done the " toss in the pond and run to put out food". But he is fast! And quiet! Most of the time I don't even know he has snuck up on me till he has a hold on my pant leg. *sigh* I hope with time and patience he mellows out cause he is a part of the fam and very much loved.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

I would definitely give it some time and see if it is just a phase... and though I am totally with you on not eating ducks, I fantasize of Nemo (the idiot) as Peking Duck! He totally deserves it. LOL.

Hope your boy comes around.

 

[sourland]

When dealing with birds, those males that are made into the biggest pets frequently become the most human aggressive. They tend to vies their keepers as equal members of the flock. The old adage 'treat your drakes/roosters like poultry and make pets of your hens.' frequently holds true. His behavior will probably escalate as the days lengthen (increased testosterone production) unless you can convince him that you are dominant. This does not have to be accomplished in a violent manner. Try scooping him up in a short handled fishing net and carrying him around as you work. He will be uncomfortable, he will hate it, but he may learn to leave you alone as long as you are carrying the net. Be very careful with him around children.

 

[jessa2723]

O and what is culling?

 

[Deleted member 94844]

When dealing with birds, those males that are made into the biggest pets frequently become the most human aggressive.

This goes against my personal experience as our older drake receives more attention/affection than our dog and he is a total cream puff. Rarely aggressive. I have known of many with drakes as pets that also behave exceptionally well with humans. When it comes to drakes, I think there are just some bad eggs.

 

[jessa2723]

Yes that is my main concern is him getting a hold of one of my kids. This started in the fall but it was minor. It was suggested that I "mount" him (hold him down gently by the shoulders and squat on top of him), it worked for a while and he seemed to get the point. But it isn't doing a thing now.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

O and what is culling?

AKA "Freezer Camp" or, as my Uncle Tony would say, "Sleeping With The Fishes"