How to stop Muscovy ducks from bullying each other?

[StinkyAcres]

I specifically got all female Muscovy ducks to avoid bullies but I soon learned that doesn't keep them from picking on each other. When it is egg-laying season they chase each other daily, sometimes pulling feathers, drawing blood, and almost drowning each other, and I have had to separate them a couple times. They pick on one duck one week and another the next. Once they stop laying the bullying and their "broody squeaks" stop and they are all friends again. I have found I can temporarily stop them by blocking off access to their favorite nesting spot. Is there any other way to stop it or do I just have to deal with it? Thanks!

 

[my spoiled chickens]

@casportpony @Miss Lydia

 

[MeeMoo]

I specifically got all female Muscovy ducks to avoid bullies but I soon learned that doesn't keep them from picking on each other. When it is egg-laying season they chase each other daily, sometimes pulling feathers, drawing blood, and almost drowning each other, and I have had to separate them a couple times. They pick on one duck one week and another the next. Once they stop laying the bullying and their "broody squeaks" stop and they are all friends again. I have found I can temporarily stop them by blocking off access to their favorite nesting spot. Is there any other way to stop it or do I just have to deal with it? Thanks!

I have similar problem also but in my case one particular hen is being chased by all of them including the drake. I have 6 hens, 1 is sitting on eggs and 2 others are currently laying. However they have all picked on one hen. During the day they may forage around together with a few mishaps, but when they get into they sleeping pen trouble starts. I have had to separate her till I can find a solution

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Really, you just let them be unless there are injuries. This is normal muscovy behavior. You might want two food stations just to make sure they get to eat.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Sorry no one answered your question when you posted, Stinky! During Mad Hormone Time, they definitely go a bit crazy. I have four feeding stations right now for mine (13 scovies, 6 quackers, 5 Calls) but they will still invariably pick on one another. The females have a pecking order, too.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thanks, everyone. That's what I figured; just wondered if anyone had a solution. Sounds like getting a drake doesn't stop the fighting either. I'll continue to do what I have been doing and separate anyone injured.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Okay, now they are fighting even though they are not laying. I had to break up an intense fight between two of them inside the coop last night. It seems to happen mostly when they are in the coop. I'm wondering if it's a space issue and if I need to rehome a duck or two. Their coop is 3' x 5.5' feet inside, so it's not huge for 4 ducks. They have a large fenced area to roam during the day.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Honestly, my ducks are more cramped than yours are. Perhaps do what @ruthhope did with hers and have a pet carrier where the one (either the bully or the bullied) sleeps within the coop?

 

[StinkyAcres]

Honestly, my ducks are more cramped than yours are. Perhaps do what @ruthhope did with hers and have a pet carrier where the one (either the bully or the bullied) sleeps within the coop?

I can see if the crate I have is small enough to fit in the coop. It's tricky because they all need access to the heater in the coop.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Well, the crate barely fit. I put the bullied girl in there (the poor thing was sleeping outside in the 11F temps when I got out there) and everyone was very peaceful. I think she can get close enough to the heater.

Thanks!