My 2 Drakes are fighting

[duckmother]

Hi there! I have come here for any insight or advice on what to think about my two boys. I actually searched this topic on the forums and found many great threads in regards to drakes fighting but I didn't see my particular situation addressed.

I own 2 pekin males who are now 7 months old. They are our only ducks and have never actually seen any other ducks before, nor do we plan to get any more, male or female. They have been best friends since we received them at 2 days old. But recently, they have become pretty violent with each other trying establish their pecking order. I am guessing this is just instinct kicking in because there are no girl ducks in around. If it was a little nip here and there I wouldn't worry but they are starting to really hurt each other, so I am getting nervous about keeping them together. I grew up with chickens and knew that keeping more than one rooster was bad news but I was unsure when it comes to male ducks. We got them simply to be our pets, and they are the best! But I also don't want to sit here and watch them kill each other. :\

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on this or has had a similar experience? Thanks so much!!

 

[Olamina]

I'm a noob here so I don't know much but I believe it's breeding season right now. Might be a surge in testosterone? You may need to separate them which I imagine would drive you bonkers with them calling for each other or get some ladies for your fellas. This is all I can think of atm. Good luck.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

You may need to seperate them for awhile. Personally, I have 2 drakes, no problem. But I also have Ladies. I wouldn't allow them to hurt each other, I'd just seperate them.

 

[Going Quackers]

Typical, while the lack of females will decrease the fighting not always, my two go at it.. i keep them separated at night, they free range together.

They are likely feeling the surge of spring and because there young are taking it out on each other. How bad is it getting though? I own Muscovy and as i said the boys fight, some times i break it up other times i let them sort it out... usually if i do it ceases for awhile. Not saying to allow them to rip each other apart but they will need to sort the pecking order and breaking it up could prolong the incidents of the fighting.

All ducks fight sometimes, even my ducks so some squabbling is normal, you have to find balance and remember there ducks not people so their way of doing things is different than us.

 

[duckmother]

Thanks everyone! We only have one pen so we will have to contemplate how to separate them. Hopefully it will dissipate soon.