My Drakes Won't Play Nice

[Miss Lydia]

If you have a feed store close by ask them if they are going to order, you maybe able to order through them. I was blessed to get Runner eggs from a member on here and my Muscovy's hatched them for me.

 

[MillersFarm]

I recently started my first flock of ducks. I chose Indian Runners after much research, because of the temperament and the egg production.

However, the only ducks available to me were 2 drakes and 1 duck. I originally thought it would work, but now I'm not so sure. The drakes will not stop fighting - all day every day for a week. The weaker of the two has had patches of feathers torn out, and has been tore up pretty rough about the neck. Is this behavior normal?

Is there a way to minimize their aggression toward one another? Their previous residence had a lot of fowl mingled together, so it may help to bring in another female? Or perhaps I should separate them?

I live in an area that where ducks are scarce. I may be able to find a female Pekin in a relatively short time, but I doubt I can find another female runner anytime soon.

Any advice from more experienced flock managers?

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The best ratio for ducks that works best is one 4 hens per drake. If you want to keep both drakes i strongly suggest buying 9 more hens. The cheapest hatchery that sells sexed runners is Ideal Poultry http://www.idealpoultry.com/item.html The Fawn and white Runners (Which seems to be what you have) Are only $5.95 for the hens which is Really cheap.

 

[Tannerpauldean]

If you have a feed store close by ask them if they are going to order, you maybe able to order through them. I was blessed to get Runner eggs from a member on here and my Muscovy's hatched them for me.

I have called around and spoken to the ordering managers of about 15 feed stores in the area. I have covered a radius of about 50 miles, and included local stores, tractor supply, southern states, and rural king. I got close one time, but I had to order 24 of them! I unfortunately don't have the setup for 24 ducks yet.

I will keep looking. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Miss Lydia]

24 good grief.

 

[Tannerpauldean]

The best ratio for ducks that works best is one 4 hens per drake. If you want to keep both drakes i strongly suggest buying 9 more hens. The cheapest hatchery that sells sexed runners is Ideal Poultry http://www.idealpoultry.com/item.html The Fawn and white Runners (Which seems to be what you have) Are only $5.95 for the hens which is Really cheap.

Wow! This is a great supplier! I have always been disappointed by the shipping rates of some suppliers, since they can add up to $50 on a small order like I am looking for. But these guys have fantastic rates! Thanks for sharing.

 

[MillersFarm]

Wow! This is a great supplier! I have always been disappointed by the shipping rates of some suppliers, since they can add up to $50 on a small order like I am looking for. But these guys have fantastic rates! Thanks for sharing.

For small orders they only charge you like $7.00.. They are a pretty good hatchery when it comes to prices and shipping

 

[MillersFarm]

Although I believe the earliest you can get them is 4/4/2018..

 

[Tannerpauldean]

Although I believe the earliest you can get them is 4/4/2018..

I can work with that. As I said, it's pretty slim pickings around here.

 

[MillersFarm]

I can work with that. As I said, it's pretty slim pickings around here.

Glad to be helpful then. I'd love a couple to get a couple of runners, I'd get some Fawn and white Runners and one Crested fawn and white Drake, They're so funky looking.

 

[CayugaJana]

Do you have room for each drake to have several hens?