too many males??

[Chickenkate17]

I have 3 ducklings. I got 2 females and 1 male, as suggested to me. My neighbor's landlord is making them get rid of their chickens and ducks. They have 2 adult male call ducks and 2- 4 month old ducklings (they think 1 male, 1 female). They need to find a home for them. I said I could possibly take the babies and maybe all of them. What would happen if I had a flock of 4 male ducks, 3 female ducks, and 3 hens in one pen (32'x7'). Would that be a problem for the 3 females?? Thanks!!!

 

[Kevin565]

Your ducks will be overly bred possibly gang raped and your hens could be mounted which can kill them.

 

[Chickenkate17]

The ducks are different breeds....don't know if that matters....

 

[Chickenkate17]

Your ducks will be overly bred possibly gang raped and your hens could be mounted which can kill them.

What about 2 males for 4 females?....two different breeds...

 

[Kevin565]

Breeds has no effect when it comes to ducks. A duck is a duck to a hormonal drake.

I would not advise it. Some people can get it to work but most of the time it's just a disaster and they have to rehome or butcher the extra drake.

 

[hfchristy]

Really? two ducks per drake isn't adequate?

 

[Kevin565]

Really? two ducks per drake isn't adequate?

It is for some situations but some drakes are just too aggressive when breeding for only 2 ducks to have to deal with him.

 

[DuckLady]

You could see how it goes. Winter is coming and you would have time to scout out new homes in the Spring if needed when hormones will start ramping up.

And great job stepping up to help your neighbor!

 

[jdywntr]

My concern would be that you would be putting calls in with cayugas because of the size difference. If your cayuga drake decided to fight with the calls, they would not fair well. The call ducks may not fair well if mated by the cayuga drake. Also, call ducks can fly so would require a covered run so that they stay put. I think that it is great that you are trying to help out. I would just caution you to really think about it and research the options/consequences before agreeing to this.

 

[Chickenkate17]

Thanks, everyone!! My neighbors have found a home for their ducks! The woman who hatched them is going to take them back, she has a huge property, so everyone will be happy! Except my neighbors who will miss their feathered friends