Hen/Drake ratio, should I seperate?

[CDennis]

I purchased Saxony eggs last summer, hatched out 4 total, 3 drakes and one hen. I purchased some other hens locally to make the ratio better but unfortunately my duck/chicken population was decimated by day hunting foxes this winter. I came out of winter with 3 ducks, 2 drakes and 1 hen. The hen JUST started laying last week, I want to hatch eggs and I have some on order from Hollerreads but I'm concerned about the 2 males with 1 female. I haven't witnessed mating or them being aggressive with her but her egg from today is fertile. Should I separate 1 of the drakes to protect her? Or will two be okay?

 

[Amiga]

It's iffy at best, based on what I have read. As hormones kick in, behaviors can change rapidly. With us, one day, we all get along and the next I am separating the Buff trio (drake and two ducks) from the rest of the ducks because there is one Buff duck that the drake forces himself on and just stands on her - looks like he's marching, actually - it seems to be a territorial conflict, and her body is the territory.

By the way, I have one drake and twelve ducks.

 

[Finny]

I have heard three ducks per drake is the minimum amount you should keep. Two ducks per drake is iffy so if you have two males with one female it can be dangerous. They can over-mate her or seriously harm her. I would separate one of the males or get more females.

 

[CDennis]

Thanks, I'll find a place to put the other drake.

 

[Finny]

Making a smaller pen inside the larger one and putting one of the drakes in the smaller one is a way for the drake not to harm the female, and not be lonely. Good luck

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

And you don't want any drakes around your Lady chickens-- that is Trouble with a capital T.

 

[Finny]

And you don't want any drakes around your Lady chickens-- that is Trouble with a capital T.

Agreed