The Duck Thread

[LoveThemBirds]

Ok.After I let the peepers out from being chased and trying to be mated with (Which was a reilef to her),but then Sparta,came over and beat the 1 I suspect is a drake up.He grabbed at any open spot he could.Possible drake then?

When do curls bgin showing?

 

[City farm]

They are a medium weight duck. They will be 6-8 pounds.. Drakes could be 1-2 pounds bigger.. Of couse it depends on how much you feed them if you have them caged, or in a run. Do you have a large area so they can rummage for bug's??
. 8 months.. Give or take a month..

8 months? They are probably 4-5 pounds already. (Females). But we have them in a cage at night with pellet food. But we have 10 acres for them to forage as well as a 1 acre pond.

maybe I misunderstood your question, weren't you asking how long until they are full grown? 5 pounds already? I might have to go back and read your post.

 

[suzy4027]

So this bully drake of yours still has access to the younger ducklings, even if it's not the runner. He's beating up another one and your question is, could it be a drake? When do drake feathers come in.....? My question is, will Sparta allow it to get old enough for a drake feather? He even goes so far as to grab any spot he can reach on this duckling. Mind. Blown. Tough day to be a duckling I guess. wow.

 

[City farm]

...

Ok.After I let the peepers out from being chased and trying to be mated with (Which was a reilef to her),but then Sparta,came over and beat the 1 I suspect is a drake up.He grabbed at any open spot he could.Possible drake then?

When do curls bgin showing?
[/quote

it doesn't matter if its a drake or not, you could have a hen that is aggressive. I thought you said you were separating them? Are you raising them for eggs, meat or to be a pet? you need to protect the ducks at all times. It sounds like you have too much on your plate to be able to handle the new ducklings?

 

[duckies1230]

I'm agreeing, I thought ppl were being harsh at first and you said you were separating them. How can you let the babies get beat up continuously? Its crazy. Are you raising them for meat? Or as she just said maybe you have a little too much to handle. Ducks require a lot of care and attention. Everyone is here to help but you have to listen!!! I know we were told to move on from this topic but, it was brought up again saying another duckling was being abused. Just because a duck is mean doesn't mean its a drake. My drake is big and calm and timid, he's my big baby. My lil girl runs it. He follows her around. She's very loud and proud and in charge. If you take care of your flock, quit letting them get hurt, beat up, picked on, raped! Then you will begin to have great birds and see each of their personalities come out. Its really a special, loving, and entertaining thing to witness and be a part of. So once again, if you are willing to listen and take advice then we are all ready to help. Everyone agree?!?

 

[LoveThemBirds]

I have seperated them.I do allow sparta to be in the coop with them at NIGHT,otherwise everyones free ranging.I figured if I took him out (The young duckling),it was just cause more fighting,but at night.

I do have two broody hens and they are somewhat aggressive towards the babies (The mother pekins,well soon to be.)


They have to stay in the pen until I get theirs setup (Which should be today).I also figured that the pekin duckling could handle himself.I mean,the ducklings at least 6 pounds right now,and is bigger then my pekin hens (Their HUGE!)so,whats there to be afraid of for him?Now,the drake,sparta,is much bigger then him,which why I left my ducklings in there,the runner can run away,much faster,but i'll do as told.


And for one,Im not abusing my ducks......For 2,I didnt know it really was as serious as you guys say.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

Im rasing them for pets......

 

[Debs Flock]

I am getting worried about my trio of ducks. I'm 99% sure I have two drakes and one duck, which presents a huge problem when they get ready to start breeding. I will have to separate someone from the other two, which will leave me with a very unhappy ducky. I can't bear to get rid of either of my boys. My Cayuga is so pretty, but my Pekin is big and soft and easier to handle. However I think I will be forced to rehome one or the other, and it's going to be a sad day

I envy those of you on here who can have more than two or three ducks! And I miss my mallard boy.

@RedIII - Let's hope you're wrong.

I completely relate, though. I have 2 Pekins & 2 Rouens that are 5 1/2 weeks old. I'm just praying that I have the right drake to duck ratio. Not sure I have the space to add to the flock and sure can't imagine having to rehome any of them. Fingers crossed for us both!!

 

[needlessjunk]

I am getting worried about my trio of ducks. I'm 99% sure I have two drakes and one duck, which presents a huge problem when they get ready to start breeding. I will have to separate someone from the other two, which will leave me with a very unhappy ducky. I can't bear to get rid of either of my boys. My Cayuga is so pretty, but my Pekin is big and soft and easier to handle. However I think I will be forced to rehome one or the other, and it's going to be a sad day I envy those of you on here who can have more than two or three ducks! And I miss my mallard boy.

What about just keeping the boys? It should be pretty easy to find a female a home and then you can keep your wonderful boys. 1:1 ratio usually isn't in the best interest of the females either. Hopefully it turns out you have more girls than boys and a late bloomer. I took my chances last year and bought my ducks from the feed store and ended up with 2 males. They were rehomed and I bought females only and had them shipped.

 

[duckies1230]

What about just keeping the boys? It should be pretty easy to find a female a home and then you can keep your wonderful boys. 1:1 ratio usually isn't in the best interest of the females either. Hopefully it turns out you have more girls than boys and a late bloomer. I took my chances last year and bought my ducks from the feed store and ended up with 2 males. They were rehomed and I bought females only and had them shipped.

I have a 1:1 ratio. They are only 2 months. The girl is the aggressive one. Do you think I will have a problem?