Lethargic Female Ancona

[valmont]

Greetings all,
Thanks for the opportunity to get my concern out there in front of the Duck Community. I have 3 Ancona (1 male, 2 female) and 7 Runners (1 male, 6 female). I received them all at 3 days old, they turned 16 weeks a few days ago. They have been raised together from the start, have a wonderful house and pen. Fed commercial food, Peas and Kale everyday. They have a pool, they are quite spoiled and appear to be very happy in all regards. I noticed both drakes have started mounting 1 Ancona female and no other, repeatedly throughout the day. Since this started happening, she has become lethargic, haven't seen her eat but have seen her drinking lots of water. I've seen her throw up water a few times, she genuinely seems unhappy and week. The bedding is always clean and so is the water in the kiddie pool. Is this common to see when they start to mate for the first time? Do I have to call a rape counselor, kidding, but I am very concerned. This is my first time raising ducks and I really love these crazy kids. Thanks folks

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’d remove one of your drakes. Maybe split the flock so each drake has females. She how that goes. It’s not healthy for this one female to be the sole object of affection from these 2 drakes. She needs time to recover you may even have to put her and another female together for a while to give her a break.

 

[valmont]

Thank you for your kind reply, agreed, someone has to be removed. I may try separating the poor girl from the rest of the flock with hopes the drakes will start to share their affection with others. After all, there's 7 others to choose from. Not sure why they honed in on just her and not any of the others. Lots to learn about duck behavior

 

[Miss Lydia]

Always something to learn. If you decide to separate her I’d advise you put a female in with her for company. And if you can keep them where everyone can see each other?

 

[valmont]

I like it, yes, will section off a part of the pen with poultry fence so they can still be side by side, but away from touching one another. Bummer, they were all getting along so well. Thank you

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hormones!! Does it every time

 

[chickens really]

Hello..They picked her because she is maturing a little faster and because the other Drake wanted her. The theory that more hens are need is false. Two Drakes see each other a competition no matter how many hens are presented. They will fight over the same one..