Hens only or should I get a drake?

[DuckDuckSook]

I originally planned on only ordering female Runners but now I'm wondering if I should add in a drake. Are there pros or cons to either situation? Do drakes really help protect the flock? Is it easier to just have hens? Thanks!

 

[DuckyDonna]

I only know about runners and I'd say that yes, the drakes do protect the flock to some extent. Now, what do you mean by protect? I used to let my ducks free range in the yard between my barn and garden while I was changing their water buckets and pool water out. My drake was always at alert but after a coyote came out of the woods after my border collie I learned that I would have lost control very quickly if that coyote had come after my ducks. Yes, the drake was alert but basically he could have done nothing but sacrifice himself for the girls.

Do you not have netting or fencing etc? They will be no match for a hawk, coyote, fox or raccoon or any other predator without a safe and secure area.

 

[Texag87]

Drakes are much more alert to danger than ducks but like DuckyDonna said all they can do is warn the flock and sacrifice themselves. Our runner drake is looking around for danger most of the time when free ranging. The ducks just eat, drill,chase bugs and never look for danger.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s the purpose of the drake to be the look out while the girls mess around. I really like the way my Runner drakes are so alert and care for their females. Just be sure you have at least 4 females or more for 1 drake. More females would be better. But no less than 4. Drakes like mating

 

[johntfs]

I originally planned on only ordering female Runners but now I'm wondering if I should add in a drake. Are there pros or cons to either situation? Do drakes really help protect the flock? Is it easier to just have hens? Thanks!

The best defense against predators is fencing/netting/etc. that protects against predators. Beyond that, figure the main reason to get a drake is to get fertilized duck eggs.

 

[TomCahalan]

My friend ordered all females, but ended up with about 25% drakes. So ordering all females and hoping that the hatchery makes a mistake or two is an option. If you don't get any drakes then you can always look for one on Craigslist.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What's really cute when My Runners go inside at night if one lags behind still messing around in the mud etc, the drake will come out looking for her. It's like he goes in an counts. Yup ones missing and right back out with her till she is ready to come inside. They really do take their responsibility seriously.

 

[DuckyDonna]

What's really cute when My Runners go inside at night if one lags behind still messing around in the mud etc, the drake will come out looking for her. It's like he goes in an counts. Yup ones missing and right back out with her till she is ready to come inside. They really do take their responsibility seriously.

my boys do the same thing! I love the way you put it!

 

[quackiemama]

I only have one drake and he does too. So stinking cute and he is always talking to them. So funny

 

[chickens really]

You only need a Drake If planning to breed. Hens are fantastic without a Drake. They still look out for predators.