Duck Breed Focus - Muscovy

[Chaneys Ranch]

Hey, guys! I'm a new Muscovy owner I only got one brown one which I hope is a female. And I'm getting more tomorrow maybe 2 or 3. Mine is pretty young and I want to get young ones. How do I tell the sex when they're like 3/4 months? And how are they with chickens? Mines are together right now and everything fine. Would really like any tips for this breed!

They are awesome. Small frame is a hen.

This is Bob. Just got him today. WOW! I had no idea Muscovies were this big. I read about the claws and thought I was prepared but he got me.

My fault. Man o man did it bleed. Bob needs a GF. I sure hope Fred and Ethel grow up to be girls but it'll be a long time before they meet Bob. .

Make him know you are boss, if he attacks pin him to the ground. Do not let him intimidate you.

 

[Alex1010]

I'll post a picture tomorrow. If I mix Muscovy colors will they just come out all mixed or a certain color? And how are they on free Ranging? And anything I should know about them?

 

[Ren2014]

Make him know you are boss, if he attacks pin him to the ground. Do not let him intimidate you.

Thank you. I got scratched trying to move him from one carrier to another when I got him. He's been very docile and moves away from me since I got him home. I've read that they will wag their tail and hiss at you but it's not to be taken as aggression. What signs should I look for if he's being aggressive? His previous owner said he was OK with humans but not one you can pet. I've read that most of them don't care to be petted.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I'll post a picture tomorrow. If I mix Muscovy colors will they just come out all mixed or a certain color? And how are they on free Ranging? And anything I should know about them?

I keep Black and Lavender. I have the rippled and pied gene in my birds so I get some interesting hatches. Occasionally still hatch a few chocolates too, from what I understand its tied in with the lavender gene. Honestly I am no expert on the colors, tho.
Excellent free rangers and foragers. Do not clip wings if you intend to free range. They need to be able to escape predators naturally.

Quote: Its all dependent on how they are raised. I have several friendly Muscovy. One of my hens, Huey will fly to my shoulder for treats, or to just say, HI MOM! The tail wagging, head bobbing, hahaha and trilling sounds is all part of how they communicate. I have only had one act aggressively, and its because I took her duckings! She will take them to the pond if I don't. We get snapping turtles in the pond every spring, and they pose a real danger for ducklings, the turtles will eat them.

 

[Alex1010]

Thanks I won't clip wings and will thy come back like chickens ?

 

[Alex1010]

Should I provide a big nesting box for them or will they make they're own nest?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Thanks I won't clip wings and will thy come back like chickens ?

Oh yes. None of mine have ever left.

Should I provide a big nesting box for them or will they make they're own nest?

They will use chicken nest boxes, but its best to give them their own nest box for laying.

 

[Alex1010]

Oh yes. None of mine have ever left.

They will use chicken nest boxes, but its best to give them their own nest box for laying.

Great I'll make a extra big one for them to lay and brood in

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: Perfect! I repurposed a large dresser drawer, will try to get a picture later.

 

[Alex1010]

Perfect! I repurposed a large dresser drawer, will try to get a picture later.

That's a good idea, how much eggs do you get from them? And how frequently?