Mating Issue

[CluckNCrazy]

Need some help!!!!! A little background. I purchased Rocky the white peking duck in May. He had a companion that fell victim to a predator in July. From July until October Rocky was a lone duck. He seemed content to hang out with the hens as they free ranged during the day. He refused to go for swims in the creek and acted a bit more henlike then ducklike .... sooooo my daughters convinced me that Rocky was lonely. We were able to get a female peking duck that is the same age as Rocky, her name is Adrian. Rocky fell in love with Adrian in every single aspect, he particularly liked to ummmmm as my girls say "go for rides on her back" and go for swims in the creek with her. Problem solved or so I thought! Rocky has been trying to mate with my hens constantly since the arrival of Adrian. She seems to me to be worn out and looks terrible due to his constant affection. The hens do not like this behavior and try to get away. I have not been able to find solid information about what to do. I understand that a ducks anatomy can damage a hen but once again not 100% sure this is correct. This is my first year raising hens so I am a newbie. I thank everyone in advance.

 

[sourland]

Drakes have penises, roosters do not. Repeated insertions of an 'object' into a hen might very well cause problems, plus the rough mating behavior of a drake might cause pelvis problems in your hens. Any possibility of getting more duck hens and separating the ducks from the chickens. Generally once a drake widens his 'field of interest' he will continue such behavior.

 

[CluckNCrazy]

.

 

[CluckNCrazy]

O mercy. Thank you. Will Adrian be affected if I rehome Rocky? She has been laying some fabulous eggs! At this point adding more female duck hens is not an option neither is separating them until spring. WHY has he widened his interest? Is this normal drake behavior?

 

[sourland]

She will miss him as they have probably formed a pair bond. Day length is increasing and this impacts his testosterone level. Drakes are worse than teen age boys during the mating season. As the breeding season goes on they generally become less sexually aggressive.