My young Rouens sit on my Pekin in the water?? Help me understand.... ?

[Sarynu]

Good morning y'all,

I have one female Pekin who just began to lay eggs one week ago. This was my first experience with duck eggs.

After my Pekin's three sisters died by raccoon, I adopted/bought seven young Rouens. Five have recently turned into males and there are two females. The five boys seem to pick on my female Pekin. They jump on her back in the water and peck her head, trying to push it under the water. They peck at her neck feathers and have become quite aggressive(??).

Is there anything I can do to help keep my Pekin safe or to help the male Rouens not be so intense.

I'm guessing it's a hormonal/coming of age/fertilizing thing, but I have three toddlers and it's disturbing to watch. I think it also upsets my female Pekin.



Thanks!!

 

[Duckee]

I had a male pekin and femle rouen. Thats how they mated in the water. He would grab her by the neck and shove her head under the water.
Having that many "coming of age" males to only 2 females may be causing aggression and fighting over breeding with the mature female.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

You have too many frames ducks are very sexual and they can injure or kill your hen by over mating it. You should have 3 to4 hens for every drake.

 

[Sarynu]

Thanks everyone! Currently attempting to sell/adopt out my young Rouen males. My toddlers and I are feeling traumatized.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Thanks everyone! Currently attempting to sell/adopt out my young Rouen males. My toddlers and I are feeling traumatized.

It would be helpful if you.posted your location

 

[Sarynu]

I was not aware that people purchased ducks on this website. I am new. Of course I would be happy to sell them on here - we live in South West Michigan.

 

[21hens-incharge]

In the meantime you should look at separating all the males unless you intend to keep one. If keeping one separate all but him from the females.

They will gang breed the females injuring or drowning them.

 

[Chicalina]

If you don't know it by now, drakes are sex mad! They will rape any bird who breathes in their vicinity whether duck or not, trust me. It can look and be quite brutal for the ducks. They can also get drowned when all the drakes pile on at once.

You absolutely need to separate all your males from your two girls. If you must keep a drake than choose the gentlest one to keep. 2 to 1 ratio is bad though and you'll need to add more girls.