Muscovy Duck

[duck3horselover]

Hello,
I recently rescued a muscovy duck that was dumped on the side of the road.
My sister and I believe he is 9-11 weeks of age so I am feeding him chick starter mixed with a grain mix that I feed to my other full grown ducks.
He gets the occasional lettuce but is this the right food to give him?
Do muscovy ducks have a certain diet?
I think he was a little bit malnourished and I want to keep him healthy.
From research I have found that muscovy ducks don't like water but mine loves water and swims everyday.
Is this normal, will he grow out of it or is it fine?
Also from research I have discovered that male muscovy ducks are not the best pets because they become aggressive.
Is this true?
Is there a chance my duckling wont be aggressive?
Is there any way to stop my duck from becoming aggressive?
At the moment he is kind, friendly and loving.
When I walk in the coop or near the coop he will come straight up to me.
Thanks for the help.

 

[duck3horselover]

This is a photo of my muscovy when I first rescued him.
My sister and I believe he is a French White Muscovy Duck.
When we first got him he didn't have any feathers on his wings but I think that was because he was malnourished.
After giving him some feed he is beginning to grow feathers now.

 

[duck3horselover]

This is a photo of my muscovy when I first rescued him.
My sister and I believe he is a French White Muscovy Duck.
When we first got him he didn't have any feathers on his wings but I think that was because he was malnourished.
After giving him some feed he is beginning to grow feathers now.

 

[Miss Lydia]

This is a photo of my muscovy when I first rescued him.
My sister and I believe he is a French White Muscovy Duck.
When we first got him he didn't have any feathers on his wings but I think that was because he was malnourished.
After giving him some feed he is beginning to grow feathers now.

He is adorable does he have any other ducks to hang out with/ they really like to be in a flock.

 

[duck-horselover]

He is adorable does he have any other ducks to hang out with/ they really like to be in a flock.

He does he has an Indian runner female and Welsh harlequin female but when we brought them together the welsh harlequin picked on him so we put him in a different enclosure. Now we are waiting till he gets old enough to look after himself. Soon I am going to buy another young muscovy female that can be with him while he waits to be with the others.

 

[duck3horselover]

Yes he does
I own one welsh harlequin and one indian runner.
Although, when I tried to put him in with my ducks, my indian runner loved him but my welsh harlequin bullied him and pulled all of his feathers and baby fur out.
So he has his own area and I am slowly introducing him to them.
I am also going to buy a female duckling soon around his age and introduce him and the new duck together so that he has another friend.
Then once he has a friend it will be easier to introduce them to the pack.
I also am going to wait until he is a little bit older to introduce him to the flock so that he is able to stand up for himself.
Is there any other solutions I can use to get him and my other ducks friends???

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes he does
I own one welsh harlequin and one indian runner.
Although, when I tried to put him in with my ducks, my indian runner loved him but my welsh harlequin bullied him and pulled all of his feathers and baby fur out.
So he has his own area and I am slowly introducing him to them.
I am also going to buy a female duckling soon around his age and introduce him and the new duck together so that he has another friend.
Then once he has a friend it will be easier to introduce them to the pack.
I also am going to wait until he is a little bit older to introduce him to the flock so that he is able to stand up for himself.
Is there any other solutions I can use to get him and my other ducks friends???

What you said about introducing slowly is the best way. keep him and your other 2 ducks where they can still see each other then when you can be there to stop any aggression try letting them all be together while your giving out treats.That way hopefully they will be too busy eating to want to pick. It does take time for all to get use to each other but it will happen eventually.

Cute avatar.

 

[duck3horselover]

Ok,
thanks for the help.
I will make sure they can see each other and I will follow your other directions.
Much appreciated.
I like your avatar to.

 

[duck3horselover]

Hello everyone, I wanted to thank you for all of your help in taking care of my Muscovy.
Tonto is now two years old and the leader of the flock (his development photos can be seen below). Unfortunately, the roles have reversed and he is beginning to harm my welsh harlequin, Charlette. He over-mates her and she has now lost feathers and has a cut on her back. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to how I can stop this from happening? @Miss Lydia

 

[Jpat]

cute!