fujcube Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Hi, We bought a pair of White Call Ducks last weekend at Longtown Poultry Auctions. The plan was to put them in the same hut as our other duck and let them sort themselves out. We hoped that after a few days, they would all be pals and that would be that. However, the reality is: The White Call Drake, is constantly attacking our other duck. After a night in the hut together, she looked like she had been given a right good thrashing. So much so, she is now bunking up with the rabbit until I can get another hut made. They are ok most of the time in the garden but occasionally, the Call Drake will chase after the other d, nipping and pulling feathers if he catches her. My questions are: Is this typical behaviour given the situation and should I just let them get on with it, putting the single duck back in the same hut as the pair of Calls? Is is anything to do with the breeding behaviour of ducks? Any other advice on the breeding behaviours appreciated!! Regards, fujcube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 He is possibly wanting to mate with her but maybe asserting himself a bit hard If it was me (bearing in mind I dont have ducks) i'd take the male out for now and let the females bond before putting him back in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbob Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hi, My drake acted exactly the same way when I introduced young ducklings (10 weeks old) to an existing trio of ducks. The females were a bit vocal and did a bit of half hearted charging/chasing but the drake kept chasing the ducklings until he got a beak full of feathers and scared the life out of them. We had to split them up in the end. We had to split the ducks area in half for a week or two until they got used to each other through the mesh. When we re-introduced them there was a bit of arguing but nothing major and they got on ok. I think the ducklings having grown a bit bigger helped as well. I think splitting them up but keeping them in sight/sound of each other will help. Jimbob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fujcube Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hi, Thanks for the replies so far. Google, has been bunking up with the rabbit for almost a week now which seems to have imrpved the situation slightly. The Drake isn't quite so aggresive towards her while in the garden and also tolerates being in the same hut as her now. Today, I also noticed a significant change in Google's behaviour. She is now a lot quiter than she has been and adopts the 'flat' position at any opportunity. She is most definitely ready to mate so I have put her back in the same hut as the Call Ducks for the night. Hopefully, the group dynamics will settle over the next day or two and they will get down to the serious business of making ducklings!! Regards, fujcube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julusc Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Hello, We also recently got 2 new call ducks to go with the campbells and muscovys we all ready have, we also tried putting them all together but to no avail, the muscovys and campbells get on ok together but add the call ducks and all hell breaks loose, The little drake call duck charges the muscovys and campbells! The funny thing is in the paddock they all get on fab its just at night they go in the duck hut? so they sleep in the spare ark next door! Another thing to watch is "the flat position" as mine adopt that when there being bullied or attacked by the chickens! Even though the muscovys are twice their size!! Anyway good luck!!! julusc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fujcube Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 Things seemed to have worked themselves out as Google is now sitting on a well feathered nest containing 12 of her finest!! Today is day 3 so we have a bit of a wait yet. Our Calls have also started laying. The first egg was lost to Crows/Jackdaws who discovered it while stealing their food! However, they have since built a nest in the rabbit hutch and laid a further two eggs. fingers crossed! Lanark poultry auction on Thursday, can't wait to get bidding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
