What is my Muscovy drake doing to my Muscovy hen?

[CaliFarmsAR]

Hello all, I have 7 Muscovies, 6 hens and a drake. Well, the hens don’t let my drake mate them. Anyway, yesterday I noticed that my drake cornered my chocolate hen and ran his bill down her back, but if she would try and get away he would catch her again and do the same thing until he was done. What is he doing? I’m very confused and this is my first flock of Muscovies as I mostly raise Indian Runners with some other breeds.

Here’s a picture of what he is doing. And why won’t my hens let him mate?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I was sitting out with my muscovy yesterday and watched my female groom my drake [touching him with her bill]then he would do it to her, it was so sweet. I kept thinking they may not have feelings like us humans but what I am watching is pretty close to love.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

If I had to guess I would say that he is trying to get her to flatten her back and accept him. My one drake does the same thing to my hen who hates being touched by any of the other ducks.

 

[Isadora]

My drake is 9 moths as well as one of the hens then the others are probably about a year old.

That explains why th hens won't let him mate. They're waiting for him to grow up a little more before they take him seriously!

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's sweet to see that side of them.

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

If I had to guess I would say that he is trying to get her to flatten her back and accept him. My one drake does the same thing to my hen who hates being touched by any of the other ducks.

Ok! He sometimes gets them down then gets on them but then gets off.

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

Ok! He sometimes gets them down then gets on them but then gets off.

My drake is 9 moths as well as one of the hens then the others are probably about a year old.

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

That explains why th hens won't let him mate. They're waiting for him to grow up a little more before they take him seriously!

Ohhhh ok

 

[CRmuscovy]

I was sitting out with my muscovy yesterday and watched my female groom my drake [touching him with her bill]then he would do it to her, it was so sweet. I kept thinking they may not have feelings like us humans but what I am watching is pretty close to love.

Hi @Miss Lydia , I know exactly what you mean! I wish I had had the camera because the other day I also witnessed pure ducky love. The parents to all the ducklings were by the edge of the pond caressing. It was so beautiful to see them. The female usually doesn't care for the male to bother her, but this day they were both truly lovey ducks. It was all touching bills and rubbing necks. Just beautiful!

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

Anyone? I would like to know what he’s doing...