How long can my Muscovy live alone?

[AliciaDuckLady]

Hi There,

This weekend we unfortunately lost one of our pet Muscovy Ducks Our remaining girl Juniper so far seems alright, despite quacking loudly in the mornings (this is new) to be let out to free range the back yard. We know its not good for ducks to be alone so went to get her some friends. We ended up with 2x Kahki Campbell day olds, which are lovely but not a soloution to our single duck problem. At least for another month when we can give them some supervised interaction. Just wondering if this will be alright? I don't want a sad duck and am not sure if I should worry. She is not the sort to be handled but does appreciate the company when we are in the garden. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[joelharris]

I have a muscovy drake that has been alone since hatch, sadly he was the only one, but he has grown up all on his own and he is fine

, he often follows me around and is quite friendly, but he live in my coop with my chickens now. Although I don't know if it will be the same for your
duck as she has experienced having friends before.

 

[AliciaDuckLady]

Thanks for your reply I think so far she has been ok but as we are relatively new to ducks, I'm not sure what to look out for if she does become unhappy. I have read so much about how it is best to keep more than one, maybe we are being over anxious. Our pair were pretty joined at the hip.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for your reply I think so far she has been ok but as we are relatively new to ducks, I'm not sure what to look out for if she does become unhappy. I have read so much about how it is best to keep more than one, maybe we are being over anxious. Our pair were pretty joined at the hip.

She may fly off looking for a friend so be aware of that. I think spending time with her will be a good start, did a pred get the drake? if so then just know it will be back for the female next. so getting your pen etc pred proof before it happens and your ducklings are big enough to be out side should be top priority. Once the ducklings are able to go outside start introducing with you right there, When I had a lone duckling hatch and mama refused it, I kept in inside of course but would take him out several times a day to get the other ducks use to him, He loved being out with them and they got use to him being around.

 

[AliciaDuckLady]

Thank you. She is safe at night in her fully enclosed pen and has our fenced yard to graze in by day. Wing feather tips are clipped so she cant fly over the fence. Our other duck became ill and died at the vets. They are at loss as to what the problem was. Tested for pestecides, metal poisoning, treated for tick, blood tests for white blood count etc. Not bottulism, despite legs going floppy, then wings etc. So not sure what we need to change but heading in with Juniper today for a precautionary check up at the bird vet. Very expensive ducks! But very loved. I took the ducklings out today for a swim in the sun and a run in the grass. She was very interested and even came closer than ever to investigate. Especially when the lings were flapping in the water. Cutest things ever! Will be glad when she has company again. These little ones are going to grow quick!

 

[denise91]

I'm sorry for your loss. This just happened to me as well. My male call duck was killed and now I'm left with a single female. I'm trying to find a new male call duck as quick as I can. In the mean time I've actually taken to bringing my girl inside the house with me for several hours to keep her company. She's doing better now and seems to get a lot of comfort from just being near someone. As long as your duck is getting some sort of companionship I think she should be ok for a little while.

 

[duckncover]

She will be fine alone as long as you give her more attention and spend time with her.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you. She is safe at night in her fully enclosed pen and has our fenced yard to graze in by day. Wing feather tips are clipped so she cant fly over the fence. Our other duck became ill and died at the vets. They are at loss as to what the problem was. Tested for pestecides, metal poisoning, treated for tick, blood tests for white blood count etc. Not bottulism, despite legs going floppy, then wings etc. So not sure what we need to change but heading in with Juniper today for a precautionary check up at the bird vet. Very expensive ducks! But very loved. I took the ducklings out today for a swim in the sun and a run in the grass. She was very interested and even came closer than ever to investigate. Especially when the lings were flapping in the water. Cutest things ever! Will be glad when she has company again. These little ones are going to grow quick!

Yes they will grow fast and it's really great your able to take them outside, the more she sees them and then her the quicker they will become a flock. So sorry about your drake I hope your duck will check out good with no problems. Keep us updated on how they are doing.

 

[AliciaDuckLady]

Thank you, the ducklings are one week old today... weeklings says my partner. Very cute. One is about a third smaller than the other but is very spritely and growing so I won't worry. I'm not entirely sure they hatched on the same day. Juniper checked out well at the vet, though was leaner than I expected. Vet says perhaps due to active daily grazing. Not to worry though Having one blood test done, just for peace of mind, so will hear back about that today. She was horrible to catch though!! Flying around, flapping, climbing the fences. I had hoped for a tranquil herding down a home made wire funnel into the carrier but she took one look at it and told me I was dreaming. Ended up cornering her with a laundry basket, phew! I really wish there was an easier way! Got to the vets though and she was the perfect lady, waddled out of the carrier, chirped around, did some tail wags, allowed the vet to pick her up from the floor!!! She sat on the scales no worry, I couldn't believe it! Will be interesting if she lets me come near her today. It was months before they trusted us again after their feather clipping. But I do have the ducklings this time Will share a photo soon!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you, the ducklings are one week old today... weeklings says my partner. Very cute. One is about a third smaller than the other but is very spritely and growing so I won't worry. I'm not entirely sure they hatched on the same day. Juniper checked out well at the vet, though was leaner than I expected. Vet says perhaps due to active daily grazing. Not to worry though Having one blood test done, just for peace of mind, so will hear back about that today. She was horrible to catch though!! Flying around, flapping, climbing the fences. I had hoped for a tranquil herding down a home made wire funnel into the carrier but she took one look at it and told me I was dreaming. Ended up cornering her with a laundry basket, phew! I really wish there was an easier way! Got to the vets though and she was the perfect lady, waddled out of the carrier, chirped around, did some tail wags, allowed the vet to pick her up from the floor!!! She sat on the scales no worry, I couldn't believe it! Will be interesting if she lets me come near her today. It was months before they trusted us again after their feather clipping. But I do have the ducklings this time Will share a photo soon!

Hope all turns out normal, you needed to have a video of your trying to catch her, We love videos.