Update on lame duck - duck integration

[chickadoodle]

A very sad time. Yesterday we had to have the lame duck put to rest. After the anti inflamatories and rest, she still would not put any weight on the leg and had to use an outstretched wing tip to walk. She had stopped laying and was unhappy. I made the decision based upon her happiness.
However, I now have another problem and would appreciate advice. Her mate, a black indian runner drake has attitude! He used to protect her and would attempt to charge any thing or person who entered their pen. He has never actually made contact and backs away if you turn round. He is now lonely. My other ducklings are 13 weeks old and the same size as the runner. They lie down next to the wire and he runs at them all day long. The ducklings are by quack, 2 male and 2 female. I appreciate the ratio of male to female is wrong,. Today I was going to let them all be together and see what happens. Please can any one tell me what to expect? I have integrated chickens and know they can be prettty hard on each other. I would hate to have to remove or rehome any, but space dictates the amount of ducks I can have.
Please advise me. Many thanks

 

[foxy]

I have runners, and find this time of year the drakes do get a bit excited, well more excitable then they normally are! I imagine he will probably chase them around a bit but should calm down. You can always have a go and be around if it gets a bit too chaotic! I don't remember much of a problem integrating mine, but the runner drakes I have are a bit old now.

Maybe someone locally has a couple of adult ducks that might distract him if his behaviour becomes a problem for the younger ones, of course that depends on how much room you have.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

I have found when you separate them, they just endlessly pace up and down the fence and once you let them mingle, after a bit of a flurry they settle down, but of course must be supervised. Have you tried as yet?
It is hard to base his behaviour on how he acts when he is segregated as this will be different to when he is with the flock.
You probably will need to rehome a couple of drakes, BUT saying that, if they are siblings to the two females they may not try and mate with them, at least for the first year, so you MAY be ok. No need to do anything until you see how it all pans out.
Good luck and keep us posted!
zo
x

 

[chickadoodle]

Hi , Thanks for your advice. I tried putting them all together, however the runner drake chased the two females continuously. We seperated them again and had 4 very worried and confused ducks!! I went out and bought 2 female white campbells who are born 2011. They now chase him away although he is getting his wicked way! After 2 days they have all settled down. I realise some of the drakes will have to go eventually, good news is... the place I bought the campbells from will take and rehome any unwanted drakes! Atleast as 2 flocks they are all happy again. I will integrate the flocks later when the youngsters have matured.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

That is wonderful that they can rehome the drakes!!!
There is someone in Co Durham looking for a drake, are you near there at all?

zo
x

 

[chickadoodle]

Hi, unfortunately i'm in bedfordshire, too many miles away!!