Female & Male Ducks.

[awyman]

So I have 11 ducks. I’m positive one is a male. Not sure about any of the other ones. But I have 2 crested pekins, I’m fully aware of the breed and deformities. I didn’t specially order them. I picked them up at a local feed store. Cause I know they need special care. So I figured I was dedicated and educated enough, so I took them. I figured it’s better that I took them then someone just buying them, then not taking care of them. But that’s besides the point. I know that they can sometimes have problems with mating and their hatchlings can often have problems too. So if they both turn out to be girls should I separate them from the regular male ducks? If I get two males can I keep them with regular female ducks? Or would I have to separate them? I know that if I get a female and a male I should separate them because 2 crested ducks bred together usually doesn’t end well.

On another note. Should all female and male ducks be separated so they don’t over breed or become aggressive and competitive? I’ve done tons of research on ducks but would like to know everyone’s opinion?

 

[Cayuga momma]

Sounds like you have done a lot of research.
A good ratio to have is 1 male to 6 females.
It will depend on how the ducks get along. Each duck is different.
Mating season is when you will have the most trouble, but as long as you have back up coops for separation you should be ok.
Only time will tell if they will all get along and whether you have aggressive drakes or not.
It's very sweet that you took in the crested ducks too.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

That is a very large crest!
If they turn out to be ducks, i would not risk to put them together with any drake.
Can you feel a squishy bump under that crest? If yes, they have that fatty cartilage "plug" in the hole of their skull bone and are very vulnerable during mating.
Very nice of you to take them in, you may have saved their lives!

 

[awyman]

That is a very large crest!
If they turn out to be ducks, i would not risk to put them together with any drake.
Can you feel a squishy bump under that crest? If yes, they have that fatty cartilage "plug" in the hole of their skull bone and are very vulnerable during mating.
Very nice of you to take them in, you may have saved their lives!

I’ve been very careful around their crests, but I’ll try to gently feel around it tomorrow. I know I’m very hesitant to put them with drakes once they grow up if they’re females. I would never want to put them in a harmful situation. I think they’ll probably just be put in a separate enclosure. Whatever makes them happy! I really would’ve hated for them to go to someone that didn’t know about the breed. They definitely require a little bit more special care. Thank you for the advice!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

That's why i like the idea that you took them in!