The interesting part of the "rape" syndrome in drakes is that, during
breeding season, they will use this as a form of aggression against smaller
males. I've seen it happen several times.

Additionally, I think they become oblivious to anything but the urge to
mate. In domestic flocks as well as wild flocks, if the urge strikes and no
hen is available or catchable, they'll go after an injured drake or the one
lowest on the pecking order.

We had one drake come into rehab last summer who'd been hit by a car. The
people who picked him up said they had to drive off five or six other ducks
who were all trying to mount the injured one. (He recovered and was
released to rejoin his flock).

Peggi



Peggi Rodgers
peggir at ori.org
Eugene, OR
"A bird does not sing because it has an
answer, It sings because it has a song"