BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[hellbender]

Well, there you go. A while back Ariel wanted Moscovies in the worst way but I gently maneuvered her away from them. It was cold then and NO one really wanted to start building a containment/housing for the ducks close to the pond because it would have been very difficult to work in those conditions.

Yesterday evening, I suggested getting a few well bred Moscovies because we all really enjoy the meat plus the weather is almost ideal to build what we need to confine them at the pond. The breasts are great smoked, like ham.

Alright. I'm still the boss here. I will try to find a trio of half grown birds and Jason WILL help me fix what we need to house them and we'll put a couple of his buddies to work for about a week.

Most of you know we're 'preppers' in a fairly concerted way and even with all we have managed to pull together here, The ducks won't hurt to have around.

Done, done and done!

 

[bramblefir]

Nice pictures. This is the breed that I have been interested in. I have considered them for years and years, but never made the extra step.

We've been very pleased with them. Unfortunately geese are relatively rare nowadays and finding a non-hatchery breeder seems to be nearly impossible. Ours came from Metzer and seem to be of good quality so far. They are still getting in their adult plumage and growing into their final shape, so we'll see how they look when they're done.

Metzer obtained Holdereeds Buffs if I'm
Not mistaken.

I'm not sure, but I do know the Holderreads still breed Americans. However, they only breed them in the Blue and Lavender varieties. I do know that Boondockers Farm in Portland, OR acquired their entire Ancona Duck program.

Metzer seems to do a pretty good job for a hatchery though.

 

[hellbender]

JRNash...I know what you mean but I'd rather chance it and get them now than wait 'til all bird transport is prohibited and wish I had made a move.

We won't die without them but we have space and time to deal with them.

 

[bramblefir]

Alright. I'm still the boss here.

Yep, uh huh.

Muscovies are super popular in Western Oregon. Well actually ALL ducks are popular in Western Oregon. Must be something to do with the 9 months of drizzle.

How do the 'scovies differ from other ducks in meat and eggs? I understand they're excellent at brooding and very quiet.

 

[JRNash]

Hellbender I'm with you. Ive got a pond stocked with channel an bluecats. Got the geese covered,chickens ordered.

 

[hellbender]

Yep, uh huh.

Muscovies are super popular in Western Oregon. Well actually ALL ducks are popular in Western Oregon. Must be something to do with the 9 months of drizzle.

How do the 'scovies differ from other ducks in meat and eggs? I understand they're excellent at brooding and very quiet.

They're not the best layers but they are very good and the meat, especially the breast is delicious and they reach butcher age very early.

They are bigger than many other ducks but I like their funky appearance too. They really are more quiet than most others and I don't mind the hissing. I guess it boils down to what we've been accustomed to and the Muscovy is obviously MY choice. Of course others will have a few reasons to shun them. Many people don't like the caruncles and the wicked sharp nails. I always wear gloves when handling rowdy birds that MIGHT scratch...

 

[gjensen]

Well, there you go. A while back Ariel wanted Moscovies in the worst way but I gently maneuvered her away from them. It was cold then and NO one really wanted to start building a containment/housing for the ducks close to the pond because it would have been very difficult to work in those conditions.

Yesterday evening, I suggested getting a few well bred Moscovies because we all really enjoy the meat plus the weather is almost ideal to build what we need to confine them at the pond. The breasts are great smoked, like ham.

Alright. I'm still the boss here. I will try to find a trio of half grown birds and Jason WILL help me fix what we need to house them and we'll put a couple of his buddies to work for about a week.

Most of you know we're 'preppers' in a fairly concerted way and even with all we have managed to pull together here, The ducks won't hurt to have around.

Done, done and done!

With plenty of greens and some water, waterfowl are a better "prepper' bird than chickens.

 

[hellbender]

With plenty of greens and some water, waterfowl are a better "prepper' bird than chickens.

Yep...we're going to let them use the pond that even the cattle can't get to (maybe). I'd rather they use the cattle pond but it's just too far away from the house for winter care. We have several options...stream/ditch that has water year 'round. it's less than a quarter mile from the house and would be easy to fence...just have to build a shelter for them. I'm not concerned about predators getting them but gotta' make sure the dogs are fenced out from them at night. A work on the drawing board...

 

[JRNash]

I'm running fence right now. 97 temp and 100%humidity. Rain off and on. Got dizzy came in for liquids and cool down

 

[gjensen]

Yep...we're going to let them use the pond that even the cattle can't get to (maybe). I'd rather they use the cattle pond but it's just too far away from the house for winter care. We have several options...stream/ditch that has water year 'round. it's less than a quarter mile from the house and would be easy to fence...just have to build a shelter for them. I'm not concerned about predators getting them but gotta' make sure the dogs are fenced out from them at night. A work on the drawing board...

Layers lay as well or better than chickens. Pure breeds do as well or better concerning flesh. But what does set them apart is they do better on higher fiber/lower energy feed than chickens. They get more from the greens that chickens do, and are better at converting those greens into our protein.