Please help, my ducks are killing each other

[junkyardducks]

So quick background. I had gotten ducklings at a tractor supply about 2 years ago. I ended up with 7 males and 7 females. I was just starting out so I didn’t know until later that I needed more females if I was going to keep all the males. Anyway. A few months ago one of my female ducks drown in the pool type thing we made. I chalked it up to it being so cold out. However, 2 days ago, I found another female dead in the water, and then again just yesterday. I let my ducks out everyday and I go to work, so I haven’t seen what’s going on but I’m assuming one of the males is drowning them. What am I supposed to do... they don’t seem to fight or mount each other(too much) when they are in the coop, but I’m afraid to let them out and have another dead female. Please help me

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Given your description, I'd suspect multiple males causing a duck they're trying to breed to drown. 3+ ducks to a drake is generally accepted as a healthy ratio - you have too many drakes, especially now that you have 4 ducks to 7 drakes. Given this imbalance, I'd keep no more than 1 or 2 (at most) with your remaining ducks...the excess drakes should be kept separate until you can rehome or otherwise reduce their numbers. Good luck!

 

[keesmom]

What am I supposed to do...

Separate the drakes ASAP. Multiple drakes are all piling on one poor female trying to breed her. They are drowning her in the process. Now that you have an almost 2-1 drake to hen ratio the possibility of more dead females is more likely.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So quick background. I had gotten ducklings at a tractor supply about 2 years ago. I ended up with 7 males and 7 females. I was just starting out so I didn’t know until later that I needed more females if I was going to keep all the males. Anyway. A few months ago one of my female ducks drown in the pool type thing we made. I chalked it up to it being so cold out. However, 2 days ago, I found another female dead in the water, and then again just yesterday. I let my ducks out everyday and I go to work, so I haven’t seen what’s going on but I’m assuming one of the males is drowning them. What am I supposed to do... they don’t seem to fight or mount each other(too much) when they are in the coop, but I’m afraid to let them out and have another dead female. Please help me

I have 2 Runner drakes and saw then gang up on one of their females a couple days ago. I emptied the large kiddy pool so they won't drown any. It happens more than we know. Now they only have access to a small kiddy pool and only when I am with them. You need to think about drake jail or rehoming most of your drakes. Very sorry your going through this.

 

[Isaac 0]

4 duck to 7 drakes just won't work, I'd sell or butcher the drakes, 1 male for every 4/5 females is recommended. I'd take action soon before someone gets seriously hurt.

 

[Elfie4306]

When I had ducks, we had a dug out pond they swam in. If they try to mate in the pond, it usually involves the drakes pushing the heads of the ducks under the water until he's done. But yes, as everyone else is saying, definitely either get rid of some drakes, or keep them separated until you can get more females.

 

[Isaac 0]

we had a dug out pond they swam in. If they try to mate in the pond, it usually involves the drakes pushing the heads of the ducks under the water until he's done. But yes, as everyone else is saying, definitely either get rid of some drakes, or keep them separated until you can get more females.

With heavier breeds, not providing swimming water can actually do more damage to the hens. The water acts as a cushion for the ducks during mating.

 

[Elfie4306]

With heavier breeds, not providing swimming water can actually do more damage to the hens. The water acts as a cushion for the ducks during mating.

Good to know, I haven't had ducks since I was a kid so I'm rusty.

 

[Isaac 0]

Good to know, I haven't had ducks since I was a kid so I'm rusty.