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3 Year Old Male Trumpeter Has Become Attached to Baby Pekins?
By:Shalimar
Date: 19 June 2016

We have a very large pond with farm ducks, wild ducks and a beautiful pair of 3 year old Trumpeters (Romeo & Dutchess) we've had for two years. We added a protected nesting area, and there is also a 10 x 12 open barn area. The swans built numerous nests this spring, but must not have found the perfect spot, as no eggs were laid. The farm ducks did lay eggs in the barn area, but none of them hatched. The swans became very aggressive toward the farm ducks chasing them with a vengeance, yet were fine with the wild ducks. Assumed it was due to 'mating season'.

About a month ago we got 6 Pekin ducklings. I put them in a large enclosed coop area until they are old enough for the pond. Romeo and Dutchess were initially very curious and watched them closely, sometimes hissing, pecking at the pen and flapping their wings, sometimes just watching them curiously. After a few days, she didn't pay much attention to them, but Romeo seems obsessed. He lays by their pen night and day, seldom leaving but for a short time. When I approach to feed and water them, he goes into his protective mode. I just talk to him softly and tell him its OK, he backs down but continues to watch me closely. Not sure what to think. I wouldn't have been as surprised if it had been Dutchess, but don't understand what he's thinking. He's never been around baby ducklings before.

Concerned... is he trying to be a father figure or will he go into the attack mode toward them once their bigger and in the pond. Worried... and not sure what to do..... appreciate any ideas, suggestions!!!

Messages In This Thread

3 Year Old Male Trumpeter Has Become Attached to Baby Pekins? -- Shalimar -- 19 June 2016
Re: 3 Year Old Male Trumpeter Has Become Attached to Baby Pekins? -- The Regal Swan -- 20 June 2016