When to pull extra drake?

[Chris-n-Kate]

I have 4 pekin ducks that are 12 weeks now. I’m pretty sure 2 are drakes because they are slightly bigger with raspy quiet quacks and the other 2 are very loud quackers.
It’s my understanding that 2 drakes would fight so I am wondering when it would be best to do. Also when trying to decide which to keep I think I want to keep the one with the funny colored bill so I will know which one the drake is but will the offspring have funny colored bills?

 

[PirateGirl]

I think it depends your plan for the extra drake. If you are going to give him away, sooner is better than later as you will be less attached, your hens will be less attached, and he will have less time to cause problems. If you are planning on housing him separately on your property, I’d start building his spot now and move him if/when there start to be behavior problems. If he is to become dinner, then whenever he is the appropriate size to process.

 

[chickens really]

Yep start thinking about rehoming him so you don't end up with stressful Drake antics..

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd decide on which drake by how he is towards the ladies. How he is in general also. They may fight but the worst will be the abuse your 2 females will have.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

You would need a very (unusual) calm and polite drake for just two ducks. In my humble opinion four (4) ducks per drake is the absolute minimum and that works only if your drake is not such a crazy dude like my »Erpelchen« who has to be hosed down three times per day to keep his bill from the ladies necks.

 

[PirateGirl]

You would need a very (unusual) calm and polite drake for just two ducks. In my humble opinion four (4) ducks per drake is the absolute minimum and that works only if your drake is not such a crazy dude like my »Erpelchen« who has to be hosed down three times per day to keep his bill from the ladies necks.

Unfortunately I also feel that one drake with 2 girls may be a problem at some point too. Only time will tell.

 

[chickens really]

That ratio can work but it depends on the Drake. One Drake to two hens..

 

[Chris-n-Kate]

If I build a separate pen could I keep both drakes and control how much time they get with the ladies or would they fight?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes but I’d still think about adding at least 2 more ducks to your flock. I love my boys but won’t hesitate to give them time out if they get carried away. So far I haven’t had too but I have 13 females to 3 drakes on not sexually active yet.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They may fight hormones are tough on the drakes and the ducks.