Ugh.... Males

[CayugaJana]

I have been watching my ducks the last week or so since they were attacked. They are doing well thankfully, however I’ve noticed my two males not getting along. I have a black swedish male who is the boss, the cayuga male who is the most gentle giant, and five females. I had 6 until the attack this last week.
My black swedish spends most of his day guarding the females from the other male. If the cayuga goes anywhere near the flock, he gets run off. Which sucks for him because he always eats and drinks after everyone is done and doesn’t interact with the others. But what has me a little concerned is I picked the swedish up today and I could feel his breast bone. He’s always been plump before. Do they spend so much of their energy protecting “their” girls that they sacrifice their own health?

They get gamebird feed, and access 24/7 so I know he has the proper feed. I also give peas, mealworms, scraps, koi fish crumble that is high in protein.

His poop looks normal. Minus the times he goes noodling in the ground.

 

[CayugaJana]

Also, there is no way for me to replace my felmale that died this last week right now. It will have to wait until spring.

 

[sourland]

It would depend upon how diligently he is protecting his 'harem' and keeping the other drake away. I know that some herd animals expend so much energy protecting their harems that they sometimes have difficulties in the winter due to weight loss.

 

[CayugaJana]

That’s what I’m thinking may be going on sourland. But I did not know if such a thing existed......Spending his energy on protecting with the added stress of the winter. I’m not really sure what I need to be doing. Separating them into two different pens would be hard when the temperature drops like it has been.

 

[Alaskan]

Will he eat when you are standing there?

When I have a bird having trouble getting to the feed because of bullying I like putting out 2 or even 3 feeding stations, and 2 water stations.

Of course that isn't exactly your issue... but maybe the Cayuga is not just trying to get the females...but also the feed?

Another option that would help a little is twice a day when you go out to feed, hand feed the Swedish.

 

[CayugaJana]

Yes. I haven’t seen Skipper, the cayuga try to mate with any of the girls. He’s about 8 months old. I think he just wants food and to be part of the flock, not run it. But he has a healthy weight.

Yes I might have to bribe Junior, the swedish a little more. He’s really a beautiful guy, so I hate to see him so skinny.

 

[Alaskan]

I am actually more likely to loose the males in the winter (ducks and chickens ). I don't think they take care of themselves as well as the girls do.


So I think it is very important that you try to figure out how to bulk the Swede up.

 

[CayugaJana]

I might have to figure out how to speperate him with maybe another girl for part of the day so he can focus on eating.

 

[Alaskan]

I might have to figure out how to speperate him with maybe another girl for part of the day so he can focus on eating.

yeah, even for just a few hours a day might be great.

Or by himself in a crate in the garage while you cook supper??

 

[CayugaJana]

That sounds like a good plan.