Peking ducks have strange behavior ??

[mynewbabies]

I have 4 peking ducks 3 males 1 female, I noticed they are acting alittle strange. They all usually stay together, the gang of 4, but now today there are three of them chasing the one away. It's 2 males and the female chasing the one male, can't figure that out, and when they all are back in the coop they chase it around and pull on it's feathers, or try to dunk it when it goes in the pool, they gang up on him. Wow what is going on . Are they trying to mate or something, in heat ??
Anybody know what is up with them ? It's making me crazy !!

 

[Deleted member 94844]

How old are they?

 

[ducklover87]

I have 4 peking ducks 3 males 1 female, I noticed they are acting alittle strange. They all usually stay together, the gang of 4, but now today there are three of them chasing the one away. It's 2 males and the female chasing the one male, can't figure that out, and when they all are back in the coop they chase it around and pull on it's feathers, or try to dunk it when it goes in the pool, they gang up on him. Wow what is going on . Are they trying to mate or something, in heat ??
Anybody know what is up with them ? It's making me crazy !!

Chances are that with that many males and only the one female they are ganging up on that drake b.c. he's not aggressive enough. Back when I had 3 girls and 3 boys the least aggressive boy was always being separated and kicked out of the group by all the ducks. If I were you I'd separate the other boys and just leave him with the girl. A Lil bit of solidary confinement will serve them well. If at all possible I'd try to get a few more females that will help too. I

 

[Deleted member 94844]

This.

Chances are that with that many males and only the one female they are ganging up on that drake b.c. he's not aggressive enough. Back when I had 3 girls and 3 boys the least aggressive boy was always being separated and kicked out of the group by all the ducks. If I were you I'd separate the other boys and just leave him with the girl. A Lil bit of solidary confinement will serve them well. If at all possible I'd try to get a few more females that will help too. I

 

[mynewbabies]

About 15 weeks.

 

[mynewbabies]

Could the male really be a female ? It doesnt quack as loud as my one female does. Are they mating , and how long will the mating go on?

 

[jdywntr]

Only females quack. The males make a raspy noise. They should also be getting their drake curls by this age. Sorry to say but you have WAY to many males, even if the one being picked on is female. I agree they are probably beating up on a less aggressive one. You will need to make a decision very soon as they will begin showing breeding behavior very soon if they aren't already. Ducks will sometimes breed all year, even in cold climates. Pekin are known to be very sexually aggressive and you run the risk of some of them getting injured/killed with the ratios you have. The ideal ratio is 1 male: 4-6 females. Sometimes just a pair will be okay but rarely will 1 female and 2 males work for long.

 

[mynewbabies]

Thanks so much , with 3 males how many females would you suggest. I found some females for sale. Going today to look at them. How many should I get?

 

[Deleted member 94844]

6+!

 

[mynewbabies]

I did get more females , got 4 to see what will happen , thanks for all your advice. We now have 5 females and 3 males.
I am sure hoping they will all get along. I will post some pics of my ducks in alittle bit. Thanks again you were a great help !!