My girls are picking on their new boy

[crazyboutchickenfamily]

We bought 3 ducklings for our son for Easter this year. He raised them all very successfully. We figured out that we had 3 girls so we bought him a drake this past weekend. He's close to the same age as our girls. We put him in with them the next day. They are still picking on him today and I feel really bad for him. I know that they have to establish peck order just like chickens but I figured by now they would hve done got it done. I could really use some advive on what to do.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

If they were raised together then as drake he would have been the boss. But as the newbie, one against three I guess he could use a little help establishing some authority. My ducks were raised together so I don't have direct experience introducing new ducks. If you ever want the girls to accept him as a mate, you might want to give him a little advantage. Perhaps you could give him the run of the pen for a while and introduce the girls one at a time. I'm sure the girls will complain about that arrangement, but they don't seem to be making this easy for you.

 

[crazyboutchickenfamily]

Thank you so much for the advice. This is our first time having ducks and we are really enjoying them. We have had chickens alot but I am finding out reading about ducks how different they are. I know how to introduce chickens but ducks are a whole new game. I will try that and see if it works! Thanks again!

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[Stormy Autumn]

I don't know how much space you have, but you could also try splitting the pen in half with some chicken wire and letting him have one side to himself. Then the girls would be able to see and hear him (and get used to him), but they wouldn't be able to attack him. After a while, they'll probably warm up to him and won't mind him sharing the whole pen.

 

[crazyboutchickenfamily]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!