Five week old Muscovy Ducklings put in with Older Rouen Hens and Mallard Hens along with two Drakes

[Luv Ducks]

I have had my Muscovy ducklings since they were 3 days old. They were kept in the garage with no heat but it was warm here so they did fine. At two weeks I moved them outside here in Ohio where they could see my other ducks. Today at five weeks when one of them is almost fully feathered and huge and the other one smaller but some feathering I added them to my flock. I did not know what to expect but everyone was great. I was soooooo happy that they all get along so well even though I know they do not speak the same language. I have 2 Rouen Mallard mixed drakes, 2 Rouen Hens, 7 Mallard Hens and the two Muscovy ducklings that are now 5 weeks old. It was a happy day for me and my flock of ducks that I love.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's great everything is going well, but I sure would be watching your drakes. Hormones can make them want to breed anything that can walk or fly. And 5 week old ducklings would be sitting ducks for them.

 

[Luv Ducks]

That's great everything is going well, but I sure would be watching your drakes. Hormones can make them want to breed anything that can walk or fly. And 5 week old ducklings would be sitting ducks for them.

My Drakes are just a couple of months old my Dear so the hormones have not kicked in yet. I am lucky there and would not have put them together if they had. I can't believe how big these ducklings are, they are actually bigger than some of my Mallard Hens! I know their age because I got them at only three days old. They say if they feather out fast they might be a hen but the one that has the most feathers is soooo large that I can't believe it is a Hen. I figure a Drake and the smaller one a Hen? Any idea about that? I know you have had Muscovies and I did years ago but it has been a long time for me.

 

[Luv Ducks]

That's great everything is going well, but I sure would be watching your drakes. Hormones can make them want to breed anything that can walk or fly. And 5 week old ducklings would be sitting ducks for them.

My Drakes are only a couple of months old or else they would not be with them so they are all doing well together. I keep checking but they all act like they have always been together so I am so happy about that. Their pen is next to my house so its not hard to see them. My question is though that my ducklings are only five weeks for sure as I have had them since they were three days old and one is almost fully feathered out and big. I had heard if they feathered out quickly they were a Hen. The smaller one has feathers on her chest and wings but not as feathered out as the bigger one. Can they both be hens due to early feathering or is that just a guessing game with Muscovies? I had them years ago but its been so long that I don't remember how my babies then turned out as they kept flying away so I sold them. Thanks for any information you might have Miss Lydia, I appreciate it.

 

[DukesDucks]

I don't know about using feathering for sexing young Muscovy. I have found comparing legs to be fairly accurate. Compared to the female duck, the drakes legs look like tree trunks. I realize that's not helpful if they look the same.
You should be able to get a better indication in a few months.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

You could post pics of your muscovy ducklings. We can make a guess. Drakes tend to stand wide and almost trip over their own feet when they walk. Look like clown feet.
Some hens can be large as well. Since muscovy are large fowl, it would make sense that they are as big as your mallard already.

 

[Luv Ducks]

I don't know about using feathering for sexing young Muscovy. I have found comparing legs to be fairly accurate. Compared to the female duck, the drakes legs look like tree trunks. I realize that's not helpful if they look the same.
You should be able to get a better indication in a few months.

Thank you, you know how impatient we can be when it comes to sexing these little ones, lol.

 

[Luv Ducks]

You could post pics of your muscovy ducklings. We can make a guess. Drakes tend to stand wide and almost trip over their own feet when they walk. Look like clown feet.
Some hens can be large as well. Since muscovy are large fowl, it would make sense that they are as big as your mallard already.

The big one does have big feet but you know how we all wish for Hens, lol. I honestly am not computer savy and am so lucky to be able to just post on here let alone try pictures. I appreciate your thoughts though, thanks.

 

[Luv Ducks]

I sat and watched my Muscovy ducklings today, they will be six weeks old this Friday. I actually heard the great big one making that beautiful trill sound! No hissing from them. At this early of an age can that mean it is a Hen or can young ones also trill. It sounded so pretty and I am sure it was her or him doing it. The other one is still peeping but so small that if it is a drake it will be a little one it looks like. Thanks for any replies my friends that like feathers and not in the pillows, lol.