We need our ducks to be buddies!

[DuckDuckPromise]

Hi! We currently have 2 separate pens, each with 4 ducks. 4 Pekins in one pen, and 4 Cayugas in the other... they get out most days and play in the yard, and put up at night. We have 3 girls in each pen, and one drake in each pen... Here’s our question: Lord’s Willing, we would really like to change our pen set up. We would love for all of the ducks to be in one general area, but right now, the Cayuga drake has the dominance over everyone, including the Pekin drake who is pretty much twice his size. How would y’all suggest getting them to be buddies? Have a blessed day!

 

[BelovedBirds]

Hi! We currently have 2 separate pens, each with 4 ducks. 4 Pekins in one pen, and 4 Cayugas in the other... they get out most days and play in the yard, and put up at night. We have 3 girls in each pen, and one drake in each pen... Here’s our question: Lord’s Willing, we would really like to change our pen set up. We would love for all of the ducks to be in one general area, but right now, the Cayuga drake has the dominance over everyone, including the Pekin drake who is pretty much twice his size. How would y’all suggest getting them to be buddies? Have a blessed day!

that may be difficult, firstly, the correct ratio would be 1 drake to about 5 hens, to be safe- otherwise the drakes could overbreed the hens. Being out of ratio can also contribute to the aggression between drakes.
But also, hierarchy will always be established, especially in a pen with more than one drake- that is only natural. It is the season for mating, so the drakes will be filled with hormones. This means that they will likely fight/squabble and establish dominance. This is fine, but if they get too bad, and are hurting eachother, they would need to be separated for a while. Personally I wouldn't try mixing the groups until in better ratio...

 

[raingarden]

It sounds like you are set up really well right now. Most people don't have the luxury. They are going to start breeding soon and there is no need to have mixed breed if you don't have to. I'd keep them separated.