Pekin Ducks hate my chickens

[mrskrebs]

Our chicks and ducklings were purchased together. I kept them together for a very long time until the ducks got too big to be in the same area. The ducks are Pekin and seem to both be drakes. (unfortunately). Now all are about 4 months old. The chickens have a yard and the ducks are free range. We have a 1/4 acre pond but they will not stay out there. They used to go out for a while in the morning and then come back up to the chicken yard and stand outside the gate & act like they wanted in. So I did... big mistake. They attacked the chickens. Trying to pin them and grabbing them by the neck! Since I've kept them separate. But I haven't been able to let the chickens free range... So...yesterday I noticed that the ducks (who refuse to go to the pond now at all. I keep water & food for them by the barn & chicken yard.) anyway, they are sticking their heads through the fence and grabbing the chickens by the necks!!! What is wrong with these ducks?! I know they're not happy, but I don't know what to do. I think it's time to re-home them. Anyone have any suggestions!!???

 

[sourland]

They are young drakes reaching sexual maturity. They want to breed the chickens - a potentially dangerous scenario for the hens. You could get some ducks for the drakes, put smaller mesh around the chicken pen, or get rid of the drakes.

 

[mrskrebs]

I was thinking this was the issue... one of the drakes is more aggressive than the other & I believe he was attempting the same on his friend. So maybe another duck!? Oh lord! What have I gotten myself into... But I would need 2 more ducks right? They each need a partner...

 

[jdywntr]

Rehome them. They are trying to mate with your chickens which can kill your chickens. Domestic ducks should NOT be expected to live on a pond free range. You reared these ducks, providing food, water and shelter and seem to now be expecting them to just fend for themselves.

I don't mean to sound harsh but this is something that is seen far to often in the duck forum. People with good intentions or we can't resist the cuteness purchase ducklings without researching their care. Pekin can be one of the friendliest breeds of duck but they were bred for their meat so do not have the abilities to take care of themselves.

 

[mrskrebs]

No I appreciate the honesty... we bring them in the barn every night for safety, but you're right I thought they would just take to the pond. Since they haven't we have a baby pool up by the barn w/ food & water, but they still aren't happy. How do I re-home them? Is there something else I should be doing??? Get female ducks and create their own yard??

 

[jdywntr]

I was thinking this was the issue... one of the drakes is more aggressive than the other & I believe he was attempting the same on his friend. So maybe another duck!? Oh lord! What have I gotten myself into... But I would need 2 more ducks right? They each need a partner...

No, you need 4-6 ducks per drake so 8-12 may take their attention off of the chickens but it may not.

 

[mrskrebs]

Oh gosh then they need to be re-homed... I had know idea & I thought we purchased one of each sex. I feel horrible now These poor drakes. They're miserable.

 

[jdywntr]

Oh gosh then they need to be re-homed... I had know idea & I thought we purchased one of each sex. I feel horrible now These poor drakes. They're miserable.

Don't feel bad, many people run into this situation. Even if they were a pair the drake may still have gone after your chickens. Drakes are very vigorous breeders.

If you can build them their own yard with a secure shelter with no access to your hens, you would probably be fine keeping them. Drakes will argue and try to mount each other but generally actual fighting will be kept at a minimum if no ducks are around. Drakes can also become a handful when they reach sexual maturity. They can be very friendly with their people but if they don't see you as the dominant animal they may try to harrass you too.

 

[mrskrebs]

Thankfully they seems scared of us still... they always run. BUT I have a 2 year old that I've been a bit concerned about them turning on him. They run from him now & he pretty much doesn't bother them, but every once in a while a chase ensues & I'm screaming through the yard trying to wrangle my toddler! LORD! Thank you for your help & information. I will discuss this with my husband and honestly try to find a home for them. Not sure where to start, but your information has been really helpful!