Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: chick with chicks on February 06, 2010, 21:19

Title: Are little drakes doomed?
Post by: chick with chicks on February 06, 2010, 21:19

Hi all,

Me again, out with my advice begging bowl again :). When you breed ducks do you have to cull the drakes or can you sell them. But do people buy them?

Thank you,

Carrie

Title: Re: Are little drakes doomed?
Post by: matilda duck on February 07, 2010, 10:04

Depends on The breed.  Drakes arn't a problem like a cockerel but too many in a flock and you are asking for trouble. The ratio is 3-1.  For a happy existence.

Title: Re: Are little drakes doomed?
Post by: Kate and her Ducks on February 07, 2010, 12:33

As Sam says, drakes do not present the same problems as cockerels in terms of upsetting the neighbours, in fact they are quieter than the ducks but too high a ratio of drakes to ducks and they will run the girls ragged. Wouldn't recommend greater than a 1:3 ratio.

When hatching eggs it is always worth thinking as you are of what to do with the males as it is common to get slightly more males than females. You will be very lucky to rehome them unless they are a rare breed or fine specimin so be prepared to face having to kill the boys.

Personally I am very fond of roast duck but hate having to kill my own!