Too many drakes?

[Brassmaster]

Currently we have 3 Khaki Campbell hens and 2 drakes. We have kind of gotten attached to both the drakes but have been wondering how this proportion will work out long term. So far everything has gone well but the concern is next Spring when the boys kick it into high gear, are 2 going to be too much for our 3 hens?

 

[duckface]

We had to make the decision to get rid of two of our drakes and after they're gone this weekend we'll have four hens to two drakes which I think will be okay, but time will tell. If not, just look at it as an excuse to get a couple more hens.

 

[Squirtchy2009]

Ive stuck to the ratio of 1 drake for every 2-3 females, it works fine and stops all the arguments and fights !

 

[ChickenToes]

Unless you have a very submissive drake, the two will probably fight with one another.

 

[Wifezilla]

I would try finding one more girl and see how they do.

I currently have 5 hens to one drake. As soon as he figures out what girls are for, he is going to be one happy duck!

 

[kcardella]

Quote:
LOL - that's what I have also, Wifezilla!

I am adding 1 more drake and 3 more ducks, but I think they will still be very happy!!

 

[Dances with Ducks]

I was just reading Mike Ashton's book The Domestic Duck last night and he points out if you have only one drake sometimes he gets lazy about breeding.

So having two drakes with the same male/female ratio will result in a better fertility rate.

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
I've been looking into getting that book. How are you liking it? I was also thinking about picking up Tom Barlett's "Ducks and Geese, A Guide to Management." Have you read that?

 

[CityChicker]

I have three of the Ashton books and absolutely *love* them. The Domestic Duck is bar none the best duck book I have read. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is similar in design and content to the Holderread book (which I love to), but about five times more detailed.

 

[rainplace]

Thank you for the review! I've had that book in my shopping cart at powells.com for 2 weeks now. I guess I'll check out now

How about Barlett?