NEED IMMEDIATE ADVICE ON DUCKS

[meme91]

I purchased 3 ducks in March on the 11th round about. I wasn't sure of the breed after getting home but after research, I figured they were Mallards. Was unsure of the sex at the time as well. Long story short, I have 1 male and 2 females. They were all getting along up until a few days ago. The male (as I have figured) has started being really aggressive towards the other two and has started pulling the feathers from their wings. I figured either this is mating season or maybe showing dominance but I'm starting to get worried. My research on what to do was to separate them for a day. I would like to know what to do or what could possibly be the reason why this is happening.

When I remove the duck and place him close by the other two ducks seem to still want to be close to him. But when they are together it seems like they are constantly running from him.

 

[bhaugh]

Is he making them bleed? Pulling blood feathers can cause a host of problems. it sounds like you did separate him. There are many suggestions as how to handle young male ducks but unfortunately I can’t help you with that because I don’t keep bad tempered birds.

 

[meme91]

Is he making them bleed? Pulling blood feathers can cause a host of problems. it sounds like you did separate him. There are many suggestions as how to handle young male ducks but unfortunately I can’t help you with that because I don’t keep bad tempered birds.

Yes they are but he after one more than the other and causing more damage to one. I just would like to know more so of the possible cause or any suggestion that would help. But I thank you for responding.

 

[ducksndaisies]

I have never had a male duck so I can't give any advice on how to separate them, but I don't think this behavior is unusual. Male ducks are notorious for their aggressive mating behavior. In the water, they will mount females from behind and grab them by the neck. This can cause them to pull the feathers from the female's neck and even draw blood. There is also the risk of the male drowning the female as they will often hold their heads under the water. This mating behavior is also possible on land which can be hard on the female's body since they don't have the water to cushion them.
Long story short, I think this behavior from your male isn't unusual, but some action is definitely needed. Any cuts or skin damage can become infected and can occasionally cause more aggression. If you can, I would recommend separating them until you have a bit more information!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Many here keep a drake jail for things like this. Any chance you can add more females? maybe 3 more would keep him busy to where he isn't overdoing on a few.

 

[meme91]

Many here keep a drake jail for things like this. Any chance you can add more females? maybe 3 more would keep him busy to where he isn't overdoing on a few.

Well that's exactly where he is now. I felt kind of bad because I read somewhere it said that it's apart of nature and no need to get nervous or upset. So I put him back in with them yesterday and he calmed down a little bit and to me it's starting to seem more territorial than mating. But he would be swimming and they are just sitting and he just goes attack them. I don't understand why they don't peck back they are waay bigger than him SMH but maybe he has already shown them dominance or something. This is my very first year with ducks and I don't think at this moment I have enough room to add 3 more. I'm working on expanding now and I may try to get a few more because honestly they are a total joy to have around. But he is definitely in duck jail for a few days I may let him mingle with them on the yard for a while because they grew up together. But they can all sleep peacefully tonight.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Having him out with them some with maybe your supervision would be good. And as long as they can all see each other that is the main thing. YES drakes can be over the top when mating especially when they are just starting out those hormones are surging. My Muscovy drake likes to pin one of his females down and then just stands on her. Yep, they are nuts lol. Usually by mid-summer things start slowing down some we just have to play it by ear as to when they can all be together full-time again.

Your doing a good job!

 

[Baylee_baby_]

Is he making them bleed? Pulling blood feathers can cause a host of problems. it sounds like you did separate him. There are many suggestions as how to handle young male ducks but unfortunately I can’t help you with that because I don’t keep bad tempered birds.

I second this bad tempered birds tend to taste the best

 

[ruthhope]

I have had drakes that bully other drakes and ducks, and they have all responded to drake jail. You might have to keep your dominant drake separate for a couple of months at this time of year because of their hormone surge, but he may well settle down into a good boy after that. I had a problematic drake last spring -- I actually thought he was psychotic and I was initially quite afraid of him -- he is a lamb this year.

As others have said, keep your drake in drake jail within sight and sound of your other ducks, just unable to touch them! If your ducks free range during the day and have hiding places in shrubbery and the like, you might get away with just having the drake separate at night. Certainly, when you reintroduce your drake, keep him locked up at night until you know he is OK with the other ducks.

 

[Jenbirdee]

I have been through this a few times and always ended up finding a new home for the drake. I have heard there are some nice drakes out there somewhere but of the 4 different breeds and different years, one at a time, every drake that I tried to keep with my ladies ,, they were all big jerks.