Muscovies in US - REGULATION CHANGES OPEN FOR COMMENTS - 10/1 update

[HallFamilyFarm]

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Just noticed a new sticky has been placed under Ducks at https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=407184

My understanding is it is ALL pet Muscovies, no matter when you acquired them. You may want to email USFWS and inquire.

 

[swheat]

I made my own Atlas band pliers. I used a pair of pliers and cut the head of a nail with just a stub left on it and soldered it onto the pliers and built it up around the stub. It works great. Just an idea for some of you DIY people out there.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

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Maybe a needle nose pliers would work better.

 

[swheat]

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Maybe a needle nose pliers would work better.

They might, just make sure you solder the nail head far back enough so the opposite side will cover the band.

 

[txcarl1258]

I was just wondering since this new law has gone into effect, if anyone is not going to keep muscovies anymore, or if it is going to keep any new people from acquiring them? I have been interested in them for a while, but I have a few concerns. I want to get a trio, hatch the babies and sell the extras. I plan to eat a few, but I do not want them going to a "pet" home and risk getting into trouble with the FWS. Anyone have any advice or answers to my questions?

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

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You could sell under a contract, similar to a puppy contract. Would mean nothing except you would be able to prove to USFWS that you sold them for consumption/exhibition. The puppy contract was always a worthless piece of paper. You can not force anyone to obey the law. there will always be those who will lie to get what they want and those who will break the law. It is illegal to rob a bank, yet it happens everyday. All we can do is ask the buyer what they plan on doing. If they become pets after we sell them as consumption/exhibition surely we will not be held responsible for the actions of another. Just because I use my truck for the farm and I sell it to a guy who robs a bank, it does not make me responsible for the robbery.

I sell hatching eggs on eBay, BYC etc auctions. I sell them for consumption/exhibition. The buyer understand that they may not be purchased for "pets". Granted some will lie and purchase for pets. The new regulation will not eliminate the problem completely, it will just slow it down. Hope this helps.

 

[txcarl1258]

Thanks Jim,
This does help, I have wanted them for a while because I do live in the city limits. I have a large two acre lot and space is not an issue, I just don't want to disturb the neighbors too much. I will have to make up some kind of contract.

 

[harleyjo]

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Can you PM me a sample contract too? I am wanting to do the same thing you are and I am hoping that all I need to do is band my birds I am keeping and then sell the little ones.

 

[Mom 2em All]

I received my bands from Cutler yesterday. I managed to capture ONE large drake, who was my favorite. Minus a few tail feathers now. I put his band on- nope, correction, I held the duck and my husband put the band on. We had to use the last hole of the band for him. It was fairly easy. The hardest part was catching the drake. The others still must be caught and banded, but we didnt have time to attempt it yesterday.
Thanks Jimsfarmstand for providing the link and instructions for the bands.

 

[desertdarlene]

One thing that I'm wondering is if they're blaming the pet owners for the Muscovy problem in some states, why aren't they banning other breeds like runners and Pekins, also popular pets, who are also common dumpees?

I don't think it's fair to single out Muscovy pet owners.

Is it because people are more likely to "dump" Muscovies because they buy them as cute ducklings but don't like what they grow up to be?