Duck run

[FNF]

Hello, duck owners - I have posted about some issues I'm having with my six very horny female runner ducks in a few places, but I'm running out of ideas. Three of them are about 18 months old, and three are about 8 months old. After a long, slow integration process, they were getting along really well and behaving as one group for the most part - running around the enclosure together, swimming in their pond, and sleeping in their little house.

I think it was in November when one of the older females had bloody wing feathers when I let them out the next day. This occurred off and on and I started separating her in their house overnight, still with everyone but a little divider between her and the other five. That seemed to solve it. Then she had it happen during the day - I think it was from "hop on top" as she seems to be the most submissive (they all take turns on the bottom though). So I started separating her within the daytime enclosure with another duck that she is okay with her and that's been fine.

I kept them that way for a while - two within a smaller area of the big enclosure - everyone sees everyone and I'd supervise them all together too, and the one separated in their duck house at night. I finally let them all be together again during the day, the one separated at night. I think we're at day five maybe of that setup without her getting bullied or bloodied or anything. Victory, right?

But this morning a different duck, one of the more dominant females from the older group, had a bloody feather. At first I thought it was picking/bullying but NO! I reviewed the footage! I have a Ring camera in there and I SAW them actually do this - she laid down, they were head bobbing like a little duck cult and started nibbling on her for a few seconds - hence the bloody feather. Thankfully they didn't stand on her but still!! They're so randy!! So what do I do about this?

They were all fine together for weeks - months! But now they are biting feathers during their little female mating game and it may only get worse as breeding season comes around and their hormones are even crazier. My only idea, and it might be pointless since it seems even the dominant duck is putting herself out there to get hurt, is let them have the duck run and the duck house to give them ample space overnight.

Does anyone let their ducks have "outdoor" space to sleep? The run has hardware cloth panels, a roof, currently plastic panels for wind protection, and a predator apron. I'd also put a little cooler in there with bedding like in their house. It has straw on the ground. I'm just paranoid about not locking them in the house because I've never done not done it. Any thoughts? Will their randiness ever stop?

Pictures show the setup with the one girl separate and the others toegether which has been great up until this morning. The middle picture shows her sacrificing herself to her randy flock mates. And the last is a picture of the house and run a few months ago.

 

[FowlProtector]

It sounds like you’re already doing a lot of the right things, but here are a few more tips to consider as you navigate their randy behavior during breeding season. Allowing them to sleep in the outdoor run seems like a good move, especially since your setup is secure with predator protection and bedding for comfort. You could also add some sheltered areas within the run if you're worried about them not having protection from the elements. The more space they have, the less likely they are to focus on each other in a negative way, so consider expanding their outdoor area if possible.

If you notice the dominant ducks causing issues, temporarily separating them during the randy moments could give the more submissive ducks a break. Reintroducing them later when things calm down might help reduce stress. Adding more hiding spots or sheltered areas within the run can also help ducks retreat when needed. You can also try providing distractions like floating toys or extra treats to redirect their energy and keep their focus elsewhere.

For ducks with feather damage, applying a mild antiseptic like Vetericyn can help prevent infections and support healing. Increasing the protein in their diet by adding mealworms or black soldier fly larvae may help balance their hormones a bit. If your pond or swimming area is large enough, consider adding more “spa day” elements like floating objects for climbing and playing, which could distract them from their interactions.

Lastly, keep an eye out for any stress signs that could indicate an underlying health issue. Managing their behavior and monitoring their health carefully will help ensure everyone stays happy and safe during breeding season.

 

[FNF]

@Turkens13 thank you - all great suggestions!! I did spray some Vetericyn on her wing and I put a little styptic powder on this morning. I have to remind myself that it looks much worse than it really is. I will put another cooler or two in the run as additional shelter (that's what they have in the duck house too). Thank you again!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Mine always have the house and run at night (garden too during the day). I currently have eight in there without any issues. I cover the mesh with clear plastic shower curtains during the winter. I believe they all sleep in the house but they can come out for food and water or to get a break from each other.

Question, why no drake? I had several bad drakes and was about to stop having them when I heard that Dutch Hookbill drakes were gentleman. They aren’t all equally gentle, but I kept the sweetest one. I currently also have his son and he is also kind and gentle. Just a thought.

 

[FNF]

Mine always have the house and run at night (garden too during the day). I currently have eight in there without any issues. I cover the mesh with clear plastic shower curtains during the winter. I believe they all sleep in the house but they can come out for food and water or to get a break from each other.
View attachment 4039883View attachment 4039884
Question, why no drake? I had several bad drakes and was about to stop having them when I heard that Dutch Hookbill drakes were gentleman. They aren’t all equally gentle, but I kept the sweetest one. I currently also have his son and he is also kind and gentle. Just a thought.

Just didn't really want to deal with it. I've heard how aggressive their mating is and we don't need/want fertilized eggs. These six randy females bring enough hormonal energy to the table. Thanks for the pictures of your setup and confirmation that it's reasonable to let them have the extra space. I expect they'll probably still use the house but I'm hoping they'll leave each other alone a bit more with the food and water being available in the run and some extra spots to bed down. I'm going to test the theory this weekend I think. Fingers crossed!

 

[FNF]

Mine always have the house and run at night (garden too during the day). I currently have eight in there without any issues. I cover the mesh with clear plastic shower curtains during the winter. I believe they all sleep in the house but they can come out for food and water or to get a break from each other.
View attachment 4039883View attachment 4039884
Question, why no drake? I had several bad drakes and was about to stop having them when I heard that Dutch Hookbill drakes were gentleman. They aren’t all equally gentle, but I kept the sweetest one. I currently also have his son and he is also kind and gentle. Just a thought.

I have been considering a drake after your comment and speaking with my vet. Unknown if it’d help or if I can even find a good one but I’m thinking about it!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I have been considering a drake after your comment and speaking with my vet. Unknown if it’d help or if I can even find a good one but I’m thinking about it!

I have mostly always had at least one drake. But, once I had a few months without one, after rehoming one who just couldn’t be nice. During that time, my girls took on the drake role. I wonder if that is what yours are doing.

If you do decide to get one, get a young one so your big girls can show him how to behave. My current sweet boy was the only egg to hatch in my incubator so he was an only duck for a few months. From only a few days old I would take him down to see the big ducks. He would just sit in my lap. A few times he tried to go to them but they would chase him and nip at him. When he got bigger they just ignored him. He would spend his days outside with them and then come inside with me at night. One night, he ran in the coop with them and has been with them ever since.

I would not suggest a Khaki Campbell or a Khaki mix. In my experience they were jerks. Maybe it was just mine (tried 3) but I won’t do it again.

 

[FNF]

I have mostly always had at least one drake. But, once I had a few months without one, after rehoming one who just couldn’t be nice. During that time, my girls took on the drake role. I wonder if that is what yours are doing.

If you do decide to get one, get a young one so your big girls can show him how to behave. My current sweet boy was the only egg to hatch in my incubator so he was an only duck for a few months. From only a few days old I would take him down to see the big ducks. He would just sit in my lap. A few times he tried to go to them but they would chase him and nip at him. When he got bigger they just ignored him. He would spend his days outside with them and then come inside with me at night. One night, he ran in the coop with them and has been with them ever since.

I would not suggest a Khaki Campbell or a Khaki mix. In my experience they were jerks. Maybe it was just mine (tried 3) but I won’t do it again.

Thank you for this. I have found someone with three young Ancona drakes that seem to have been raised in a similar way to ours (they come when called and return to their coop at night). I am not very familiar with that breed but looks like they’re about the right size, a pound or two larger than the runner girls. I’m still torn, having never had a drake nor introduced one to my flock. Indecision, but leaning toward adopting one of them!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Thank you for this. I have found someone with three young Ancona drakes that seem to have been raised in a similar way to ours (they come when called and return to their coop at night). I am not very familiar with that breed but looks like they’re about the right size, a pound or two larger than the runner girls. I’m still torn, having never had a drake nor introduced one to my flock. Indecision, but leaning toward adopting one of them!

Not a breed I know either. Maybe someone with Anconas will chime in. But, I would prefer same size or lighter, not heavier.

 

[FNF]

Not a breed I know either. Maybe someone with Anconas will chime in. But, I would prefer same size or lighter, not heavier.

Any chance you are looking to rehome your sweet hookbill drake's sweet baby drake? Had to ask lol.