Muscovy Ducks as pets and throughout the winter

[Rysktal]

I currently have 20 muscovy ducks, most of them are for dinner but of course, a couple are quickly reaching "pet" status

What would be the ideal way to house 3 hens and possibly a drake Muscovy throughout the winter. Atlantic Winter, I should specify.

In the spring, I'm imagining the few we keep free ranging during the day. I wonder, are the hens likely to lay in their nesting box like chickens do, or do they prefer to hide their nest outside?

Any stories are appreciated

 

[sourland]

Provide a shelter where they can keep dry and out of the wind, and they should do fine. What is the predator situation in PEI ? That is also a consideration. @Alaskan maintains muscovies very successfully in Alaska. They may lay in the chicken coop or they may create hidden nests. It's a long time since I have eaten a Muscovy. They are great eating but a royal pain to pluck. Good luck.

 

[Rysktal]

Provide a shelter where they can keep dry and out of the wind, and they should do fine. What is the predator situation in PEI ? That is also a consideration. @Alaskan
maintains muscovies very successfully in Alaska. They may lay in the chicken coop or they may create hidden nests. It's a long time since I have eaten a Muscovy. They are great eating but a royal pain to pluck. Good luck.

Thank you for the reply! Predators here include fox, racoon and rarely coyote.

Good to know about plucking! I know by the end of this season we will know if we want to keep a drake and raise ducks again for meat next year.

 

[sourland]

For me they are the best tasting duck - less fat and more flavor. The plucking can be daunting, and some choose to skin them, but that crispy skin is so good

 

[Alaskan]

If you look at my coop pages... it will show you my muscovy coop.

They need a wind break for sure in the winter.

Once the water starts freezing quickly I remove all big water pans and their small water pond and they get only a small pot that they can NOT bathe in. (I had frozen feet 1 year... not a good thing) You can fill up a small pond for them on sunny winter afternoons, then dump it out before night.

As to egg laying, they are VERY maternal. So, they will lay eggs in a nice nestbox (mine prefer ground level). But, if you take their eggs they will be very sad and start to hide them.

As to eating. Very tasty critters. We usually skin, but leave a couple to pluck and serve as a fancy centerpiece... like for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

 

[Rysktal]

Thank you @Alaskan !! I did check out your duck coop and I am going to add a second story/loft to my duck coop as well. Such a good idea. How high up would you say yours is?

 

[Alaskan]

Not high at all... maybe a foot.