indian runner female, need advice

[lindylou47]

Hello fellow duck lovers. I will make this as short as possble, but I could really use some advice. I have 4 ducks, 2 indian runners, 1 female, 1 male, and 2 rouens both male,They were all getting along fine, and goldie the female, was the leader. The boys followed her everywhere. WE built them a pool and they loved it. Lately however, goldie has pretty much wanted to be by herself. She rarely goes in the pool anymore, and doesnt stay close to the others anymore. She will have nothing to do with us at all, and I am getting very worried about her.
We also have 4 chickens, and they all got alongfine. About 2 weeks ago we caught the ducks trying to hurt 1 of the chickens, so we watch them even closer when we let them out. Both have thier own coops.
Anyway, if anyone thinks they might know what the problem is, especially with the runner, I would appreciate the advice!!
Thanks, Lindylou

 

[Amiga]

I suspect she fears for her own well-being. She is the only female and could end up injured or worse. Hormones fluctuate. So they could have gotten along just fine for quite a while, but then when mating hormones hit, it can all change.

Keep her safe. Give her her own space and figure out where to go from there. Many people recommend three females per drake. Some keep drakes-only flocks, or just one drake.

 

[lindylou47]

Thank you!
I was wondering, all my chickens are female. Would it be okay to put her in with them for part of the time? She has always gotten along with them. Thanks, Lindylou

 

[Amiga]

I would try it, and keep a close watch to make sure things work out. I tell ya, flock dynamics sometimes make me shake my head, and I only have one drake and a dozen females.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Oh yes, I'm afraid your drakes have been stressing your female. 3 drakes will almost certainly want way to much mating for your one Runner Duck. Whenever ive had a duck getting too much attention, she will go off on her own. If the 3 drakes get along with each other, I certainly would get a drakes-only area. And do let your Runner live with the chickens, she will be just fine with chickens. I had a Runner that had lived her whole life with only chickens-- she thought she was a chicken! But don't let your drakes in with your chickens-- male ducks can injure chickens trying to mate. I have 1 adult drake and 7 ducks. I will be keeping/adding 2 juveniles permanently to my flock soon.