Ducky Dilema

[MeadowsMum]

I have 3 ducks which hatched and grew up together and are very close but quite skittish. 2 drakes and 1female. 8 months old. I was told they are Aylesbury but I beg to differ! Maybe cross breed of Aylesbury? They free range during the day on a grassy / bushy area approx 50' x 25' and enjoy their pond and have a secure enclosure at night.
With the male/female ratio,I was advised by our local farm to introduce another female to ease the 'pressure' on my girl. I now have 4 ducks...introducing Jemima, a beautiful 10 month old quiet natured Aylesbury.
This has not gone well...poor Jemima didnt know what hit her, one of the drakes, Fodo has made it his mission to clamp her neck, chase her and try to mate with her whilst the other one, Billy pecks at her. The female, Meadow freaks out, runs away and quacks for England. The noise is horrendous and its heartbreaking to watch. I have tried the neutral ground, behind mesh fence gentle introductions but when put together all hell breaks loose.
Jemima is now safe, seperated to the chicken side of the fence which she seems much happier with.
This is my first time at duck keeping, hopefully not my last but they are stressed, I am stressed and worried about what to do for the best. ...
Can anyone suggest any ideas for my ducky dilema please?

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hi, you poor thing, this happened to me too. If you have a little group that have grown up together often it doesn’t matter what the M/f ratio is and they can all live quite happily for the majority of the time. So many people advise that you MUST have at least one if not two girls to every drake. However as your have experienced it isn’t always about numbers and ratios but about relationships and established groups.
Now is the worst time of year for this bullying behaviour and it’s happening everywhere with the wild mallards.
You have done the right thing keeping her separate and you may find that come September / October they will
Mix happily, but when breeding season comes around again in Feb and the boys hormones surge again it may all happen again.
Your two options are either to keep her separate while this is going on or to try and rehome her. Where are you based?

 

[MeadowsMum]

Hi, thank you for your reply, I am in Gravesend, Kent. I would do whatever is best for any of them so long as they are healthy and happy.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Sounds like they are lucky ducks to have you! If Jemima seems happy enough then try a reintroduction in the autumn and see how it goes. Spring is the worst time to introduce newbies to an establishment listed group. I have the same here with two runners I just took on! I feel your heartache!
Zo

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Established group *

 

[MeadowsMum]

Hi, It's been a couple of months and thought I would update you with my ducky dilemma. Jemima is still seperated from the group however, she does mix with the boys for a while each day. The other female, Meadow is a nightmare, she will not tolerate Jemima at all and runs away quacking loudly at any sight of her. This causes Jemima to be stressed (and me and my neighbours) Meadow seems stressed and not very happy, I know it's not a good time of year for intros as you kindly informed me before but I just can't see Meadow allowing Jemima into the group, it is a commotion to get them in and out every day.
My husband thinks we should think about finding a new home for them as the noise is a problem but I just don't know what to do, should I think about letting them go? It would be very hard but I know I have to think about what's best for them, what do you think?

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hiya, oh you poor thing, I can really empathise as have been in this situation many times! If you want to persevere I would give it until October or until they moult. If you still feel you need to re home then your best bet is to rehome just Jemima. Your group of three siblings should get on ok. Most of my groups that are two boys to one girl actually get on fine as long as they have been raised together.
Zo

 

[MeadowsMum]

Hi, thank you Zo, it's so nice to hear from you. Of course I will wait until later in the year, they are all a joy most of the time, it's just those moments (you know) I will keep you updated, thank you

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Feel free to message me anytime you get overwhelmed!!