Help!!! Pecking mallards

[Boogiesmom]

We have 3 hen mallards and 1 drake. They are 5 months old and today we noticed that the drake has pecked the feathers off of one of the hens back. Can someone tell me why this is happening and what do we need to do!!

 

[freeducks]

That's part of their mating ritual, very sad. Mallard drakes are VERY aggressive. You need 8 to 10 hens for 1 drake to protect the hens.

 

[Boogiesmom]

Yes....it is sad! These ducks are my 15 year old son's pets. He's raised them from babies. Right now, Delta (the one that has been pecked) is staying in the house. Not sure what the next step will be, cause she can't live in the house!! Thank you for replying! It really helped me out!

 

[SouthernPride]

You will def need a plan for next spring.

 

[freeducks]

We went through a similar experience. Now we have 1 drake and 11 hens and they are all happy! (Especially the drake!)

 

[Boogiesmom]

Lol....I bet he is happy!! The problem with getting more hens is that we live in a neighborhood and don't have room for more!