Free Range Muscovies

[EckDucks]

How soon can we handle the ducklings if they are free range (not incubated)? Does it matter?

 

[Miss Lydia]

How soon can we handle the ducklings if they are free range (not incubated)? Does it matter?

Well mama may not like you messing with her babies I usually just watch and enjoy from close by and let mama and ducklings do their thing.

 

[EckDucks]

It has been a bit chilly in the mornings lately (60 degrees in July) and I am worried the (4 day old) ducklings will get cold! Should I put some straw or something in their hut for them? What is best as far as "bedding"??

 

[Going Quackers]

It has been a bit chilly in the mornings lately (60 degrees in July) and I am worried the (4 day old) ducklings will get cold! Should I put some straw or something in their hut for them? What is best as far as "bedding"??

They have their mama? i don't do anything special here.. i actually bed with flax now(it's a special bedding) my mama's keep them warm!

 

[EckDucks]

I know I just asked about how to keep my ducks warm, but since I live in Kansas, the weather is crazy! So now i will ask, how do I keep them cool?! I do have a small pool for them but I didn't know if I should throw ice chunks on the ground for them??

 

[Miss Lydia]

I know I just asked about how to keep my ducks warm, but since I live in Kansas, the weather is crazy! So now i will ask, how do I keep them cool?! I do have a small pool for them but I didn't know if I should throw ice chunks on the ground for them??

Do you have plenty of shade for them? ice would be good even some in their water.

 

[EckDucks]

Do you have plenty of shade for them? ice would be good even some in their water.

Yes they have shade! In the mornings there isn't much shade but when it is really warm (like mid-day) they have shade! Thanks for the help!

 

[EckDucks]

What is the best way to start handling ducklings? I feel like I should start handling them now since they are young because we want to move them to a farm when they are older (the farm isn't very close to where they currently are!!!!!!) I want to start handling them now so that the move isn't so stressful for them! Also, how can I keep the mother calm? She really doesn't like anyone to be near her babies!

 

[Miss Lydia]

What is the best way to start handling ducklings? I feel like I should start handling them now since they are young because we want to move them to a farm when they are older (the farm isn't very close to where they currently are!!!!!!) I want to start handling them now so that the move isn't so stressful for them! Also, how can I keep the mother calm? She really doesn't like anyone to be near her babies!

About the only way you'll get to handle them would be to herd everyone into a building [barn, duck house] It's going to be stressful no mater what you do. Might be best to remove mama temp while you hold handle the ducklings. I usually don't handle my ducklings unless emergency until mama decides she is through with them, and then only when necessary like wing.clipping. I'd put ducklings into a large box with old clean towels on the bottom to keep the ducklings from slidding all over while transporting. I usually cut windows in the sides of the box and tape the plastic poultry fence to it so they can have good air flow while traveling.

 

[breeyanah]

HI, I have just hatched my first clutch of muscovys and she didnt start sitting on them full time until she had laid enough eggs (18-25), we let her sit on 16 eggs or something ridiculous like that 10 hatched but we were told from a friend who grew up breeding ducks that you should number them as she lays and only leave about 10 at most because it will be too many for her to look after sit on etc. We separated the mother and ducklings from the rest of the flock once all eggs had hatched just because drakes can get jealous and we also have a rooster, we fed them worms and lots of grass/lettuce even some oats crushed up. Make sure there is only a small amount of water so the ducklings do not drown ( I used a dog bowl with pinkie deep water)