introducing ducklings into flock

[chickadoodle]

Hi,
I have 1 drake runner and 1 duck runner/khaki cross. they are 1 year old. I also have 4 khaki campbell ducklings who are 7 weeks old and are now as big as the others. They are along side each other in pens. The male runner spends allday running alongside the pen trying to attack the young group through the wire. The female X takes no notice. They have been seeing each other for about 3 weeks. If I put them all together, will the runner stop his antics? The new ducklings sound like being 2 girls and 2 boys. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks

 

[dorsetduckowner]

You have done all the right things i would suggest supervised mixing, thete will be a big flock reshuffle but they should work it out in s few days. Watch for any getting badly picked on.... Good luck!
Zo
C

 

[binghamd]

I have just been faced with the same situation. The drake was incorrigable. As soon as they are let out in the morning he goes for the young ducks and "treads" them. I would chase him away. 10mins later he was back. The ducklings would occasionly gang up on him and chase him away. 10mins later quess what? I thought he could damage the young ducks so have seperated them again. I think he may be going into solitary until I want some fertile eggs, or maybe even the pot if the young drake looks good.
Mind though I already had to seperate him from the hens. He was chasing them and pulling clumps of feathers from their necks attempting to "tread" them. So I don't know if is exceptionally randy. Anyone had similar experience.
Not sure if this helps, but a problem shared is !

 

[dorsetduckowner]

My drake used to grasp the ducklings by the scruff of their necks and throw them across the pond! They should be separated until after breeding season If you can keep them within sight of each other that always helps though
zo
x