Female ducks swapping drake behavior

[Fluffyshark]

Hello, my female ducks have been swapping drake behavior with each other for the past few months. From flattening neck and riding on top in the water to aggressive drake style mating attempts. I say attempts cuz obviously they can’t penetrate. But sometimes one will go a month being the “male” and then they swap. Yes they both lay eggs and are certified females. And it doesn’t affect their laying, so I’m wondering if this means they are mates? If so would it even be useful to get a male at some point?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

so I’m wondering if this means they are mates?

Welcome to BYC!

It means the pecking order is dynamic.. mounting is a sign of dominance. Females of many species do it and sometimes to one another. It's VERY common in ducks.

Having a male is not useful unless you want fertile eggs.

 

[Jenbirdee]

yes i agree with @EggSighted4Life

and

It's a duck thing. thats what they do. they crazy.

 

[FNF]

Hello, my female ducks have been swapping drake behavior with each other for the past few months. From flattening neck and riding on top in the water to aggressive drake style mating attempts. I say attempts cuz obviously they can’t penetrate. But sometimes one will go a month being the “male” and then they swap. Yes they both lay eggs and are certified females. And it doesn’t affect their laying, so I’m wondering if this means they are mates? If so would it even be useful to get a male at some point?

I have six female runners and they are driving me crazy with this, even in the dead of winter. They pull feathers. I'm going nuts because I can't watch them 24/7 and every so often I walk out and there is a bloody pulled pin feather.