Male ducks

[htwin1]

Hello everyone,

Im a first time owner of ducks (tractor supply ducks) and they are about a year old. Iv noticed the male duck are pulling the hair off of the necks of the female ducks.. is this normal? i have 3 males and 3 females. One female just hatched 5 ducklings! Should I try and get rid of the male ducks so i can just have the females produce unfertilized eggs or is that not okay? any help pleas!

 

[Kaessa]

If you don't want fertile eggs, you can re-home the drakes. Or, if you want more ducklings, you can keep one drake. 1 drake/3 ducks is a good ratio. Too many drakes (like you have) can lead to over-mating.

 

[htwin1]

Thank you very much! how should i go about re-homing them?

 

[Kaessa]

Look and see if you have a local poultry group on Facebook, or try Craigslist? I know our local poultry group on FB is very active with swaps and rehoming.

 

[PtJudeRI]

My ducks had the same problem that you are having. The first year I had ducks, I had too many males. They compete and really put a lot of strain on the females. You need to get rid of two of those males, and your problems will be over. Be sure to request they are not to be "freezer pets" if that is your wish.

 

[htwin1]

Thank you everything. I will try Facebook

 

[Peekkiinn]

I have this problem to, but I have 2 hens and one drake.. is that still not enough hens or should I look to get another ?

 

[buff goose guy]

How old is your male the younger they are the more rough they can be, with time comes experience.

 

[Peekkiinn]

How old is your male the younger they are the more rough they can be, with time comes experience.

He is roughly about 10 months old now, I hope he just dosnt cause them harm !

 

[buff goose guy]

when did he sart mateing usually by a year to six months of mateing they learn that they dont have to hurt a female.