Do Muscovy ducks use...

[newcanaanchicks]

Since Muscovy ducks roost do they also use nest boxes?

 

[HEChicken]

Mine have occasionally jumped up into the nest boxes and laid there but they prefer to make a nest in the bedding on the floor of the coop and lay there. And when they go broody they always do so in a floor nest.

 

[newcanaanchicks]

Thank you. Also, do they get along well with the hens? I would be keeping them in the same coop.

 

[HEChicken]

I keep my muscovies, chickens and turkeys all together and they all get along great. They sleep in the coop at night, but do have free-range over several acres during the day which I think keeps them out of mischief.

 

[newcanaanchicks]

Great thanks.

 

[newcanaanchicks]

One more question: I can clip wings once they are fully in after molting at any age correct?

 

[HEChicken]

I've never clipped wings. The ducks do like to do a little circuit, usually once a day in the mornings, to exercise their wings and keep the muscles strong, but that's really about all they do - take off, fly a circle over the house, and land - then they're done. The drakes really can't get off the ground. We have a pond that is maybe 100 yards from the chicken yard. If the winds are favorable, they like to fly down there to bathe. The drakes have to walk and if the winds are not conducive to flying, the ducks will waddle down there with them. I like knowing that in the event a predator was after them, that is an option they have - to take to the air to get away.

 

[Going Quackers]

Mine have never had any desire too. Muscovy will hatch in all places though, we've had nests in the darnest places, one lady this past season brooded under a farm implement lol

I leave all mine full flight... the young ladies will flap about a bit but generally no one flies away...

 

[newcanaanchicks]

Ok... I'll see how it goes. Thanks