Yes, my drakes always are at attention while the girls are foraging. When I used to take them out in the yard the drakes would not forage at all, they were always watching. My Daisy (drake) died protecting his girls I believe.i wouldnt consider a drake necessary, i havent seen one act brave or alarm like a rooster, other people mightve but none of mine ever did. @Miss Lydia @DuckyDonna have either of you?
i do like keeping a drake for fertilizing eggs and they have such nice colors