Do Muscovy need a pool to swim in?

[Ilovemychicks08]

Since after having to rehome my 2 ducks, i have wanted muscovies, due to them being pretty quiet(no quacking).
But do they need a pool or water to swim in constantly. Or would a bath once or two times a week work?
Id still have water deep enough for them to clean their face/beak.

 

[Birdsarelife]

Since after having to rehome my 2 ducks, i have wanted muscovies, due to them being pretty quiet(no quacking).
But do they need a pool or water to swim in constantly. Or would a bath once or two times a week work?
Id still have water deep enough for them to clean their face/beak.

They don’t need it, but they would definitely love it in the summer.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

They don’t need it, but they would definitely love it in the summer.

I can for sure give them a pool once or two times a week. But i cant fill daily.

 

[Birdsarelife]

I can for sure give them a pool once or two times a week. But i cant fill daily.

I think that would be fine. How hot does it get there? Are they going to be free ranged?

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I think that would be fine. How hot does it get there? Are they going to be free ranged?

Normally not above 90 degrees.
And no they wont be free ranged most of the time, there are way to many predators.

 

[Birdsarelife]

Normally not above 90 degrees.
And no they wont be free ranged most of the time, there are way to many predators.

If it does get hot, it would be nice for them to have access to a pool, but other than that I think it’s fine for them not to have a pool. Would love to see some pictures if you get them!

 

[Shadrach]

My view is a pond/container deep enough to swim in for muscovy ducks ranks the same as having a dustbath area for chickens.

"Dropped the soap!"

"What are you laughing about?"

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

My view is a pond/container deep enough to swim in for muscovy ducks ranks the same as having a dustbath area for chickens.

"Dropped the soap!"
View attachment 3830403

"What are you laughing about?"
View attachment 3830402

Thats all id have is a small kids pool along wil other water buckets.

Your muscovy is beautiful!

 

[ProudRedneck]

You already have the perfect answer but just add from someone in Florida where our weather gets extremely hot, I have a Muscovy hen that bathes two or three times in a seven day week. You can easily let the water go that long in a kiddie pool before you have to refill it again. Also you don't have to fill the kiddie pool completely up, just enough water for it to reach the underside and they will flap their wings to bring the water above them and dip their head down in a swan like motion to get the water over their backs. Muscovies are not waterfowl so they don't get in the water just to float around like my Mallard derived ducks do. My Muscovy hen gets in, does her business and gets out. I have 2 x 125 gallons and 2x kiddie pools so it's not because of the lack of options LOL

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

You already have the perfect answer but just add from someone in Florida where our weather gets extremely hot, I have a Muscovy hen that bathes two or three times in a seven day week. You can easily let the water go that long in a kiddie pool before you have to refill it again. Also you don't have to fill the kiddie pool completely up, just enough water for it to reach the underside and they will flap their wings to bring the water above them and dip their head down in a swan like motion to get the water over their backs. Muscovies are not waterfowl so they don't get in the water just to float around like my Mallard derived ducks do. My Muscovy hen gets in, does her business and gets out. I have 2 x 125 gallons and 2x kiddie pools so it's not because of the lack of options LOL
View attachment 3830432
View attachment 3830433
View attachment 3830434

Thanks!
My original ducks were in the pool almost all day, so muscovies would be a lot different.