Power struggles

[RJKnott]

So introduced Katniss and Primrose, my two new rescue muscovies to the flock and for the most part things are good. Peep checked them out and everyone was fine with them

the other day Kat and Prim started to try to be bullies in the pool. They chase out anyone that tries to go in the pool with them. The smaller ducks get chased out. Peep and my two Rouens Rio and Rudi just tend to ignore them and keep doing their thing

2 days ago, kat and prim were picking on Rio outside of the pool. Biting at her, chasing her. Rudi comes barreling from across the pen and slams into both of them, sending them literally flying, and let loose the most vicious soundingduck tirade of quacks I have ever heard. And ever since Kat and Prim have been on good behavior, and I even saw them sharing the pool with the other ducks this morning

never had any real power struggles before. Has Rudi settled it? Or is it something I should keep an eye on as Kat and Prim get older?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

The rouen taking charge is what the 2 muscovies needed as muscovies can be quite bossy. My muscovies are definitely dominant and they tend to pick on the more submissive ducks and chickens. Just keep an eye on the group to make sure nothing gets out of hand (like blood or injuries due to fighting). But other than that, they should figure out the flock hierarchy on their own.

 

[ruthhope]

I need to borrow Rudi!!

my flock are all rescues and my original two muscovy drakes and crested pekin drake are inseperable -- although one of the muscovies is bottom of the pecking order (without complaint).

I then got a very small muscovy who was thought to be a drake as a duckling as it grew quickly but the duck stopped growing while still small and is now quite definitely female as she chatters away to me. That poor small muscovy is bullied by all three drakes -- the crested pekin [boss duck] stops her eating drinking and even swimming in the pool until all the others are done. He also goes out and tells her she has to come into the coup at night when she is reluctant to go in. The larger muscovy drake pulls out her wing feathers [he also did that with the second muscovy drake although seems to have ceased it with him]. The second muscovy drake joins in the excluding the female from food and water.

I need your Rudi to come and teach my drakes some manners and kind behavior!!!!