Flight feathers

[crissycriss]

My nephew wants a couple of my muscovey ducklings for his kids.But he dont want them till they have there flight feathers in so they can fly away to safty. They will be free ranging them during the day and maybe even the night when they are grown. They are 8 weeks old. What will be a good age for them to go to there new home? Should i give him 2 ducks or a duck and drake? Does the drake help protect the flock like a rooster does?

 

[Amiga]

I don't have muscovies, so I just wanted to wonder out loud if maybe a different plan might work out.

Sounds like they don't want to set up any kind of security system for the ducks. That's up to them, but I would not be comfortable sending ducks into a situation where they are expected to fend for themselves.

Do they just want them for tick control or something? If they are for the kids, I am thinking pets, and I am thinking heartbreak when they get killed or fly off for good.

 

[Going Quackers]

Amiga makes a good point, as for flight well by 3mths + is when they start, most drakes never fly that well simply to big. As for protection? mediocre they are not like roosters, mine will accompany their ladies BUT not always, the ladies just wander about alone.

 

[crissycriss]

They want them for the kids mainly because they were here and the kids really enjoyed mine.They are 6yr and 3 yr old. They have a pond they want to keep them at for bug control. The pond is close to there house. I do worry about them not providing any safe areas for them at night. Mine are in a run with a barn to go into. Plus i have electric wire ran around the outside of the run.So they are not used to fending for themselfs. They seen muscoveys at the local park on the pond so they wanted some. I raise my for meat (just started) so i havent handle them didnt want to make it any harder than it is already when it came time to do it. Wished i could find good buyers. Thanks for your replys. I may try to convince them to change their minds i just dont want them mad at me.

 

[Amiga]

Family dynamics are unique, I appreciate your concern.

Maybe you can frame the discussion around how much you have learned about keeping the ducks safe and go from there. Because whether for pets, pest control, or meat, seems forum members agree that treating the ducks well matters to us.

 

[crissycriss]

Great advice and i do agree! I will have that talk with him and let him know that he has to do right by them and build them a safe place if he wants to get them from me. I will let you know what he decides to do.

 

[Amiga]

 

[crissycriss]

I have talked to my nephew and he has agreed to build them a duck house and a run and only let them free range when they will be at home to watch over them.

 

[Amiga]