Re: DUCKS: Introducing new ducks

"Linda Hardy" <linda_ann_hardy@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:_V8nj.7647$421.334@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Group,

I have recently lost my female Indian Runner duck so thought I'd get some
new ducks, I currently have two male khaki campbell ducks and a few days
ago brought two female muscovy ducks, only thing was the person getting
rid of the ducks also had a male muscovy and wouldn't sell them unless we
brought all three.

All the ducks are together in a pen, they have food, water and a pond, and
a house for sleeping in, my khaki's seem to be keeping their distance from
the other muscovy male and the two females seem to be staying with the
muscovy male.

During the day time I let my khaki's out of their pen and they wander in
and out whenever they like, I usually leave the gate open a little bit so
they can let themselves in but with the new ducks I've been keeping the
gate shut, I'm not sure if I should let the Muscovy's out yet, should I
keep them in their pen for a week first?, I've read a bit about Muscovy's
so I don't think the male would take off anywhere but I don't want the
females to fly off either, I live on a small hobby farm.

I've read that male muscovy's can be agressive but so far their does not
seem to be any sign of that, any suggestions would be great.

Hi Linda
Welcome.

Glad the first introductions have gone well.
Its common for new Muscovies to take their time getting their feet under the
table!!
They are more considered birds we have found.
You are mid, going into later summer, so the chances are most breeding and
laying is over.
Its a mellow time of year in the duck world. Birds usually start to moult
and go into eclipse.

You are right about keeping your Muscovies in for a bit, until you are
confident they are sure about who and what is what.
Did the previous owner have the birds wingclipped?
It would be a good idea to do, soonish before they settle themselves in.
Although they may like where they are now the instinct to explore is quite
strong, especially in the girls and they do not always find their way home.
You want to clip the far outer feathers of just one wing.
Many male muscovies are too big and too lazy to fly !!! but the younger,
smaller fitter ones are just as capable as the girls.

As to aggression that goes with the breeding.
Many of us have had birds which are completely non-aggressive, others have
known Muscovies who can be real brutes and plenty in between.
Like all animals maintain good discipline, certainly Muscovies have more
potential to follow any thoughts of dominance up as they are big enough and
they have claws.
As long as the humans they meet are always considered top of the pack then
any genetic predisposition will be less likely to emerge.

You may have problems however in the spring.
You have introduce a settled trio, This is going to cause ructions in the
Spring when the two existing males want their turn with the girls.
Your male muscovy is possibly not going to take kindly to this!
While the Muscovies are in a reasonable balance of sexes, the other ducks
are usually best kept in a ratio of 3-5 ducks to each drake.

--

regards
Jill Bowis

Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk



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