Adding new rescue muscovies to backyard flock

[MyGooseGrayson]

So I have a small flock of surprise rescue ducks and a goose that hatched in June and have been thriving. Through the animal sanctuary where I work, I’m now taking in four female muscovies who need a home! They’re all about a year old. Im wondering about a) adjustments I need to make to my coop/run/yard to help the muscovies thrive, b) advice for integrating the groups (I know slow, see but can’t touch), and c) how to help one in particular thrive who’s been having a rough time- I think I’ll make a separate post about her in the health section. I have a 7’x4’ closed coop with an attached 7’x16’ run, all fully predator proof. My current birds spend the night in the coop with the door to the run open so they can be where they want, and free range the backyard through the day. I know the flying will be a consideration, does it make sense to clip wings? If I do that, how high should perches be so they can still make it up? Should I put roosts in the coop and run parts?

 

[Quatie]

I would definitely clip their wings. A lot of people have had Muscovy grow up and fly away. Since these ones didn't grow up with you, it would best to clip their wings. It won't stop them from jumping and climbing though.

I usually find Muscovy to be fairly timid and cautious when brought to a new environment. All mine were like 6-9 weeks of age when I got them and they were a bit wary at first. They are super smart so they learn quickly.

Your other ducks are going to need to learn how to communicate with Muscovy. As long as their is no blood being drawn, they are integrating well. My ducks had to learn the hard way the first time dealing with Muscovy. They bullied them, and then after a couples when the Muscovy were comfortable, one jumped over the head of my duck and landed on her back and pulled on her tail feathers. The other duck was not hurt, but she learned to not bully them. You will see them grab wings and feathers as they learn to communicate. Eventually they will get along. But it will look traumatic, but as long no one is getting hurt it is fine. A lot of my ducks happily hang out with the Muscovy now. Some will even challenge them now and the Muscovy will give at times.

I don't have roosting bars for mine and I don't think they care too much. They do love to perch on stumps.

 

[Luv Ducks]

Mine do not have perching bars either and are quite happy to stay on the ground. They get along fine with my Rouens, Mallards, Khaki Campbell, Call Ducks and Mule Ducks. They were 3 days old when I got them and are not a year old and were in a separate pen where they could see them and not touch them for several weeks when they were small.

 

[MyGooseGrayson]

I wanted to update that things have been going really well with the new additions! The muscovies have been nicknamed "the bakery girls" since they're all named inspired by baked goods. The two groups have been coexisting really well!! We built a divider in the run and the bakery girls have their own space where they stayed for the first three days, and now they sleep in there while the original flock gets the coop. As they began integrating, there was a bit of chasing by the goose, but no one ever made contact. Now they usually forage in nearby but separate areas of they yard, and take turns in the pool and around the food, but are super chill with each other! I clipped the muscovy wings and although I was afraid I didn't do enough, they can all flap up enough to get onto their table but can't leave the yard so it's perfect.

 

[Quatie]

That is so great to hear they are getting along! Do you have pictures of them?

Muscovy even when their wings are clipped can still jump and climb really well. Mine could easily get out from my fenced area, but they don't feel the need. When I close off one section of their area, I have seen the stinkers jump the 3ft with ease.

 

[Aunt Angus]

X2 for pics, please! And what are their names? My ducks are all named after food, too (Apple, Cheddar, Clementine, Figgy, Julep, Marmalade, Peanut).

 

[MyGooseGrayson]

This photo actually includes the whole flock! Tiny Timbit is a little bit hidden but he’s there too.

The bakery girls are Raspberry Cream Puff (creampuff/puffy), Mocha Cookie Crumble (mocha), Blueberry Muffin (muffin), and Maple, who never really got a full name but I call her Miss Maple Syrup.
The original flock is Lettuce, Spinach, Truffle, Licorice, Timbit, and Gracie Goose.

 

[Quatie]

Beautiful flock!

 

[Aunt Angus]

I love them and their names!!!

 

[Luv Ducks]

My Muscovy and Mule ducks both get along with my flock really well. I am glad that yours are too!!