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Help!!! Pecking mallards

Discussion in 'Ducks' started by Boogiesmom, Sep 10, 2014.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Sep 10, 2014 #1
    Boogiesmom

    Boogiesmom Hatching

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    Apr 20, 2014
    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!!
     
  2. Sep 10, 2014 #2
    freeducks

    freeducks In the Brooder

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    Aug 18, 2014
    Outskirts of Pryor, OK
    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.
     
  3. Sep 10, 2014 #3
    Boogiesmom

    Boogiesmom Hatching

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    Apr 20, 2014
    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!
     
  4. Sep 10, 2014 #4
    SouthernPride

    SouthernPride Songster 7 Years

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    May 8, 2011
    Olive Branch, MS
    You will def need a plan for next spring.
     
  5. Sep 10, 2014 #5
    freeducks

    freeducks In the Brooder

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    Aug 18, 2014
    Outskirts of Pryor, OK
    We went through a similar experience. Now we have 1 drake and 11 hens and they are all happy! (Especially the drake!)
     
  6. Sep 10, 2014 #6
    Boogiesmom

    Boogiesmom Hatching

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    Apr 20, 2014
    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! :(
     

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