Muscovy drake getting aggressive?

[suecharp]

I have a pair of Muscovy ducks - they are siblings and I got them as ducklings. I thought they were both females, but one has gotten considerably larger than the other and I am thinking that one is definitely a drake. I know their method of communication is mainly hissing, but I just read on this forum that the long drawn out hissing and stretching the neck down is a sign of aggression. I have not seen this behavior towards the other ducks in the pen - only towards me when I enter the run and walk around. He has not yet tried to attack, but are their any preventative measures I can take to dissuade him? TIA!

 

[Miss Lydia]

You need to carry the broom or a bucket something you can keep between him and you. To stop him from getting close. If he does touch you in an aggressive way then you can lay him on his belly one hand behind his neck the other at base of tail and body keep him down till he stops struggling then let him up if he comes at you again do it again always with his head facing away from you! Your teaching him respect not injuring him. Drakes do this to one another when teaching submission to each other. You can also straddle him if he is really large . I have one going on 8 and he has learned to respect me as head drake in his flock. Love to see pics.

 

[Quacking Pigeon]

I get chased by Mammoth my muscovy drake every now and then, but it isn’t aggression. It’s him wanting to mate.

 

[chickens really]

Definitely redirect his movements and get him moving away from you. 6 feet is a respectable distance.

 

[bhaugh]

I read too that it's a sign of aggression but now that I've gotten to know my drake better I'm not so sure. Mine does more suttle signs of trying to tell me he is the boss like not moving out the way when I ask him to move. He is quickly reminded if he doesn't move that I'm the boss. I used to be kinda afraid of him but I'm not now. If he is being a butt, I pick him up and remind him. He hates it and gets all pissy but he hasn't tried to come after me. I usually ignore him because I find when I pay more attention to him (for good or bad attention) his behavior declines. The only time I do have to be careful is if I'm bending over and we are eye to eye.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally see that behavior as a greeting as all muscovy bob their heads and talk when greeting each other. Aggression would be them coming at you with wings out spread. Something I have never experienced. I do make sure my males move out of my way on occasion just to check them. Don't over handle young male poultry to avoid aggression.

 

[suecharp]

Thanks everyone! I have started taking a broom in with me and when I do this he stays a respectful distance away. I guess he did try to rush at my daughter but she pinned him and now he seems to give more thought as to who he is asserting himself too

Here is a photo of my flock. Mr Man is the big chocolate Muscovy. The smaller gray and white one is his sister.