rough mating, my poor girl

[ducktastic]

I have 2 Khaki Campbell females & added 2 white Campbell drakes. When they mate it is so upsetting, they usually mate in pond, why? He forces her head under the water till he's done, I'm surprised she hasn't drowned & she has a beak mark of feathers missing on her head. So sad.

 

[ducktastic]

Also the two females have bubble eye, I feel I'm failing as a new duck owner. Love them to bits, please can you give me some advice. What shall I do about eyes, go to vets or will it clear by itself?

 

[ducktastic]

 

[ducktastic]

 

[ducktastic]

 

[ducktastic]

Here's Florries poorly eye, a little bald & bubbles sometimes visible

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

You are going to need to separate the males from the females before they drown them in the pond. Don't let them kill the females. If you do not care about fertile eggs, you don't need to keep them together. If you do want fertile eggs, you can allow the males in with the females, but not when they are near the water.

As for the bubbles in the eyes...is it both eyes, or just one? If it is just one eye, it is probably an eye infection and you will need to get some Terramycin Eye Ointment. You can find this on line. If both eye are bubbling, it may be a respiratory ailment. I am not sure about what antibiotics are safe for ducks. You might want to post this question in the Duck section here on BYC for more info on antibiotics and ducks...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

Good luck with your babies. Keep the females safe.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Two drakes gang breeding a duck can indeed drown her. One on one, the deed is generally completed before the hen is endangered. You could always separate the drakes from the hens and allow occasional 'conjugal visits' if you want fertile eggs.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[drumstick diva]

If you don't want fertile eggs - rehome the drakes and get a couple more girls instead.