Are Muscovy Ducks Lazy?

[outdoorzgirl]

I have two 7 week old baby muscovy ducks. They don't really walk around much, but prefer to lay down. I have seen them both run, so I don't think they have issue with their legs. They just seem lazy. They will walk a "very" short ways and then they both plop down and they both plop down at the same time. Monkey see, monkey do. They are healthy, seem happy. They love their baby pool and really perk up in water. Is this normal?

 

[johncv]

i have 2 moscovy ducks. now they are about 2 months old. when they were younger they did the same things yours does they would do a short sprint and then just plop down it was cute i didnt think anything of it. when they discovered the big lake they perked right up and they are not too lazy but i see them sometimes just laying there by the water.

 

[MallardDuckling]

I just got my Muscovies yesterday. They are 2 days old today, and I know what you mean by they are "lazy."

Mine have no problem with their legs, I've watched all of them walk, and they seem to do it just fine. They do like to walk a little bit and plop down though, I see them do it quite a bit. I have yet to put mine in water to swim though.
Mine seem content to lay around and either sleep, or look around.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just got my Muscovies yesterday. They are 2 days old today, and I know what you mean by they are "lazy."

Mine have no problem with their legs, I've watched all of them walk, and they seem to do it just fine. They do like to walk a little bit and plop down though, I see them do it quite a bit. I have yet to put mine in water to swim though.
Mine seem content to lay around and either sleep, or look around.

I have 3 Muscovy ducklings and have had ducklings in the past, and i think what you maybe seeing is instinctual they are prey so laying down is natural for them to keep low profile. Watching mine with Mama they don't walk lay down too much, but when she walks off they will automatically lay down. Plus you have to remember they are young too and are growing so fast they need their rest.

 

[outdoorzgirl]

Thanks everyone! I feel better. I was starting to get worried, even though they seem healthy and happy. I am a new to ducks, so I worry a lot. I guess kinda like if they were a newborn baby..which I have never had either, lol.. They are an absolute delight to have though. They love to snuggle on my lap just like a cat. I hope they continue to do so after reaching adulthood.

 

[MallardDuckling]

Thanks everyone! I feel better. I was starting to get worried, even though they seem healthy and happy. I am a new to ducks, so I worry a lot. I guess kinda like if they were a newborn baby..which I have never had either, lol.. They are an absolute delight to have though. They love to snuggle on my lap just like a cat. I hope they continue to do so after reaching adulthood.

I'm in the same boat. I'm very new to ducks, so I'm constantly worrying. I could barely sleep last night lol

 

[Going Quackers]

Basing on my past experience with Muscovy ducklings sounds pretty normal.. My adults now cover quite a fair bit of ground daily(they are daytime free range) so I definitely wouldn't say the breed as a whole is "lazy"

I have a new baby right now(hatched Friday) and I have yet to see it move at all lol It's very much alive just prefers to hide under mama for now