Muscovy Duck Advice...

[Miss Lydia]

The problem is we live in terraced houses and the gardens are seperated by 3ft high fences, and I'm sure the neihbours wont want them jumping into their garden... I'm starting to think this is a mistake. I'd love them but I really don't want to compromise their care in anyway.

They would go over a 3' fence with no problems so clipping one wing would be best to keep them home and even doing that they may get up onto a 3' fence mine can. But I see for one the ramp is too steep and not wide enough Ducks have a wider gate than chickens and don't do ramps that steep very well. But 2 ducks inside your enclosure would be fine if you plan on eventually to let them out to roam around the garden.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[veronicasmom]

All my scovies have clipped wings. They are securely locked up from dusk to dawn without fail. They wander the property during the day. So, if they are in that enclosure for a reasonably short period of time, they will be fine. But Miss L is right, narrow ramp and a bit steep. You should be able to fix that pretty easily. It looks very nice. They are awesome birds. Sooooo personable. And great layers. They do sometimes get a little nutty if they go broody, but they are easily managed. They are by far the most calm ducks I have ever had and we've had ducks since 2002.
Enjoy them and post lots of pics!!

 

[WonderBolt]

I was going to make the ramp less steep but will find a wider alternative, I was going to put some railings along the side too, to prevent any falling ducks! I've just thought I can add to the top of our garden fence to make it taller for when they are free-ranging, that way they'll be more protected and the neighbours wont be terrorised by ducks haha.
Thank you so much for the advice, I've never come across such a helpful forum! I'm off to re-design the garden so they can have more space.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I was going to make the ramp less steep but will find a wider alternative, I was going to put some railings along the side too, to prevent any falling ducks! I've just thought I can add to the top of our garden fence to make it taller for when they are free-ranging, that way they'll be more protected and the neighbours wont be terrorised by ducks haha.
Thank you so much for the advice, I've never come across such a helpful forum! I'm off to re-design the garden so they can have more space.

Sounds like a plan, Muscovy's are awesome ducks and quite friendly and bonus of eggs even though they are seasonal layers. Be sure to post pics so we can all see them. And quiet ducks so neighbors shouldn't complain too much and eggs usually win them over.

 

[WonderBolt]

Thank you, and thank you all for being patient with my ignorance! I can't wait to get my girls, I've wanted ducks for years and it's finally happening! I'm going out to buy 'duck stuff' this week and I am ridiculously excited.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you, and thank you all for being patient with my ignorance! I can't wait to get my girls, I've wanted ducks for years and it's finally happening! I'm going out to buy 'duck stuff' this week and I am ridiculously excited.

Look forward to seeing them.

and your not ignorant, those that don't ask questions are the ignorant ones.

 

[Buck Oakes]

Yay

 

[birdlover84]

 

[birdlover84]

I read they grow an inch a day and my male was 20 lbs my females are medium sized girls but our coop is much bigger. Welcome to backyard chickens.