Duck Mating

[brooder]

Hi there,
I understand that a lot of people have problems adjusting to the normalcy of forced mating among ducks, however I was hoping someone could give me some advice. I currently have two drakes and two hens (Not how I planned it, I promise!) I noticed that the drakes have begun their process of mounting my Cayuga hen (my favorite, we're buds) and attempting a successful mating session i the water. Im concerned that all the attempts will fall on my older Cayuga, rather than my smaller Indian runner. Im concerned that my two drakes will begin competing, and injure each other. Is it still currently mating season? Should i seperate the sexes? I understand that they'll work it out themselves (it's what they do) but I just hate the idea of them getting hurt.
Any advice?
Thanks for your patience.

 

[sourland]

If both are trying to breed the Cayuga at the same time in the water, there is always the possibility that they may drown her inadvertently. I'd be far more worried about her safety than theirs.

 

[brooder]

If both are trying to breed the Cayuga at the same time in the water, there is always the possibility that they may drown her inadvertently. I'd be far more worried about her safety than theirs.

Yes, this was another concern of mine. She's much girthier than them, and keeps knocking them off (they're both runners) can anyone suggest ways to prevent this?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Even 1 drake will be hard on two hens. I've seen serious damage done to a duck hens neck from too much mating. Your males may start fighting too. You have some husbandry decisions to make based on why you have these ducks, and what you are equipped to do for them.

 

[brooder]

Even 1 drake will be hard on two hens. I've seen serious damage done to a duck hens neck from too much mating. Your males may start fighting too. You have some husbandry decisions to make based on why you have these ducks, and what you are equipped to do for them.

That's what I figured. Thanks for your help, and I'm sure I'll come up with a decision that will benefit all of them.

 

[KittyCat13]

How old are your drakes? I've found mine only got more persistent as they got older.

I keep runners and had 2 drakes and 4 ducks, they were ok until the males hit about 2, then they started harassing the females far too much and the girls were getting upset and trying to hide from the drakes. I ended up culling the two drakes, and getting an extra duck and a new drake so it's now 1 drake to 5 ducks. Everyone is much happier this year!

I did seperate my drakes from my ducks while I decided what to do and there was no aggression between them. But in the end I didn't feel it was fair as they spent all day going up and down the fence line as they could see the ducks. So you may need to make sure they are somewhere that they can't see the girls.

 

[chickens really]

You could always rehome one Drake. Then there is no competition for the one Drake. I have one Drake for each breeding group of Hens and keep them in separate pens.

 

[brooder]

How old are your drakes? I've found mine only got more persistent as they got older.

I keep runners and had 2 drakes and 4 ducks, they were ok until the males hit about 2, then they started harassing the females far too much and the girls were getting upset and trying to hide from the drakes. I ended up culling the two drakes, and getting an extra duck and a new drake so it's now 1 drake to 5 ducks. Everyone is much happier this year!

I did seperate my drakes from my ducks while I decided what to do and there was no aggression between them. But in the end I didn't feel it was fair as they spent all day going up and down the fence line as they could see the ducks. So you may need to make sure they are somewhere that they can't see the girls.

Thank you. They're only about 3 months old right now, so you're right, they'll probably only get worse.

 

[brooder]

You could always rehome one Drake. Then there is no competition for the one Drake. I have one Drake for each breeding group of Hens and keep them in separate pens.

I was considering this as well.

 

[chickens really]

I was considering this as well.

Yes, it would make things easier for you..Best wishes.