Is a pair of drakes really better?

[katiebrock]

I have 2 drakes and 1 duck and the boys still love each other. I know its a bad ratio, but I just lost a duck and I have 5 more females on the way!

 

[katiebrock]

anyone else find drakes way nicer than hens? The nicest ducklings i had all grew up to be the nicest drakes

Mine are definitely nicer

 

[chickens really]

Mine are definitely nicer

All males are nice till they mature and become hormones and mean..

 

[Jpat]

All males are nice till they mature and become hormones and mean..

Not all males turn mean to people

You can bet there gonna get mean when mating, and to other males

 

[DuckyBabies]

I have two drakes. They are like best buddies. I have only had to separate them once, it was earlier this spring. They were having some squabbles, so I separated them for a week. Once reintroduced, we have had no issues since! That’s not to say that there won’t be some in the future, but my boys get along pretty well and they are super sweet!

 

[KCNC06]

Sorry, it's been a crazy week, haven't had time to check for replies!

So, the breeds, I have some that were hatched from White Layers...I'm not sure if the babies are still considered White Layers though since they say hybrids don't breed true. I've red that White Layers come from a mix of white breeds but since the laying rates/etc of ducklings from WL's is expected to be less than their parents...it doesn't sound like they're actually "White Layers" anymore. (I know if you grow seeds from hybrid plants the plants from seeds won't be the same as parent plants, they somehow go back to the grandparent plant...hybrids are weird.) Anyway, some are from White Layer parents. The others are from a flock of Cayugas, Rouens and Khaki Campbells. I'm fairly certain I have 2 Cayuga/Rouen drakes, 1 that looks like he might be a Cayuga/Khaki, 1 looks like he's all Rouen, and at least 1 or 2 look like they're all Cayuga. There's also one that looks like a Rouen/Khaki mix but I can't tell if he's a boy yet.

Right now they're all fairly young. The oldest are from White Layer parents and hatched mid-June. At least 1 boy got his drake feather this week. Those babies are back in the yard with their parents (3 ducks, 1 drake) and everyone gets along great. The babies even taught their parents to like people. To the point that they're driving my poor husband crazy while he's out working on building their new house. The whole family is just all up in his business. It's funny to watch... he's out there with the lumber and power tools and they're all "Hey human! We love you! Give us treats and attention!!"

The babies have been hand raised, so they're very comfortable with people (easily startled sometimes but I think that's more nature than nurture). The only baby I have a problem with currently is Cassidy, one that I assume is a Cayuga/Rouen drake. He gets a bit over excited and bites sometimes but he also loves sitting in my lap and having me sing his song for him (the Grateful Dead song "Cassidy"). He seems to get jealous if I sing the other babies their songs. He actually runs around nipping at everyone, including me, if I sing someone else's song. And I'm guessing that part screams "I'm a crazy, duck S'Mother!" I kinda doubt "normal" people sing to their ducks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I sing to mine while cleaning their coops. Whistle songs too.

 

[thumper650]

I kinda doubt "normal" people sing to their ducks.

You're right about that. I don't think most of us are "normal" on here! But normal is BORING!! People think I'm nuts just for talking to my ducks as much as I do.

 

[sourland]

You're right about that. I don't think most of us are "normal" on here! But normal is BORING!! People think I'm nuts just for talking to my ducks as much as I do.

But everyone knows that talking to your ducks is quite normal. Singing on the other hand ---------------------------------

 

[Miss Lydia]

My gander likes old Mac Donald had a farm ​