duckling

[Anonymous]

hi im new to this so could someone please help, i have 16 duckling hatched may 2nd by mum, when mum takes them to the pond, dad seems to attack them, hes pushes them with his beak and picks them up by their neck,

 

[foxy]

Normal behaviour for drakes I am afraid, he will pester or attack the ducklings if they are with her.

I let mine out under close surpervision, however the mum has a large covered run separate from the other ducks so she can raise her ducklings in peace.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks very much for that, i shall have to keep a watchful eye on him. He only seems to do when they are near the pond

 

[Anonymous]

hi, my drake keeps attacking one of the ducklings, hes grabbing it by the neck, is there anything i can do to protect the duckling, many thanks

 

[Tim]

You need to separate them if he doesn't settle or there is a risk he will hurt them...

 

[Anonymous]

We have separated mum and ducklings from drake, however mum doesn't like this (she would rather run free with drake) - She has a large covered run so is not short of exercise.

Any advice? should we separate mum and ducklings and at what age?

Thanks