Help!

[Duck mommy 2019]

i hate how on this site everyone always recommends killing drakes when there is literally 100 different options

 

[JacinLarkwell]

i hate how on this site everyone always recommends killing drakes when there is literally 100 different options

Not everyone can find a home for a drake or is wanting to give away a female to keep a male that doesn't have a use or have seperate flocks. Some people have pets and that's fine, but not every duck is a pet. Some people eat duck, and eat their eggs. You don't have to, but that doesn't mean they're in the wrong for doing what may be the best case scenario for them and the animals they're responsible for.

 

[FunQuail]

Not everyone can find a home for a drake or is wanting to give away a female to keep a male that doesn't have a use or have seperate flocks. Some people have pets and that's fine, but not every duck is a pet. Some people eat duck, and eat their eggs. You don't have to, but that doesn't mean they're in the wrong for doing what may be the best case scenario for them and the animals they're responsible for.

 

[nuthatched]

There are 3 realistic options.
Rehome, but that rarely works, male poultry aren't highly sought.
Adjust your settings to accommodate 1 critter, by adding, subtracting or separating. rarely worth the effort.
Cull. Rehomed poultry will usually end up on someones plate, so you might as well do it your self.
All livestock owners should be prepared and able or have a plan to put down their animals if necessary.

 

[Quatie]

I agree with Jacin. There is always a risk a male could kill a female. It is greater when the males are larger, but that does mean they will. There are people who have had male Pekins and female mallards successfully. You will likely see more injuries in the female. Granted the mallard has one thing going for her, she is faster and can fly. It will also depend on the personality of your male. Not all males are aggressive about mating. To reduce risks, more females will help, so your mallard is not over mated. Certainly the a female will appreciate a smaller drake, but it can work.

You can probably find some females ducks from breeders near by that are of breeding age or near the age of yours. You may even be able to trade males with some one. You don't actually need a male unless you want ducklings.

 

[FunQuail]

i hate how on this site everyone always recommends killing drakes when there is literally 100 different options

Look I listed quite a few options and so has many other people none us immediately said “eat him!” But it is an option and it’s important to list all options for someone. This is an excellent forum and one of the best I’ve seen. The people are kind and give good advice. I don’t prefer to be anywhere else. And there isn’t 100 options only a few. For examples it’s not good to keep livestock you can’t feed, which is worse them starving or your guilt to end their lives while they die slowly? Or too many drakes over mating the poor gals and them getting injured all the time and you don’t have the space or the time or money for more females or more pens or anyone wants them for pets but you feel too bad to kill the drakes while your females suffer the consequences. It’s a heartbreaking way to think but a true and honest statement. It’s farm life and a battle between life and death that never ends.
Sorry to get so down but thought this should be said in a new light.

 

[nuthatched]

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

but you feel too bad to kill the drakes while your females suffer the consequences.

i have 3 drakes and 2 hens and as long as you keep them seperate in mating season it’s okay

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I don't have ducks, so curious. Kill her how exactly?

 

[FunQuail]

i have 3 drakes and 2 hens and as long as you keep them seperate in mating season it’s okay

You only took a piece of my post that’s not my whole statement. My point is if you don’t have any other options and your flock is suffering because of it why continue? If you don’t make decisions for the whole flock and only on a few birds or any animal really that’s not fair and also inhumane to have your animals suffering because of your guilt.
I have two extra drakes in their own pen, but that is only because I have the resources. If I did not and they were suffering any of my ducks I would make the decision that was best for the whole flock not just individual birds. It may be hard but would be worth it.