Muscovy ducks murdering each other.

[Caprice_Acres]

If a predator wounded some, they will peck at the bloody parts of the wounded. Did you see them actually make the wounds?

I've had several drakes at the same time, subordinate drakes seem to know to run away. Then again, I free range and make sure they can't trap the weak or young ones where they can't escape. If they're penned, I'd try to separate them.

 

[abluechipstock]

i know my muscovies bickered but never to the point of killing another, sounds like a predator of some sort

 

[MysticalMom]

I have many Muscovies of about the same age right now and I really do not think it is the ducks doing this. I think it might well be a predator and maybe what you are seeing is the other ducks nipping etc. at the already bloody places. This definitely is NOT typical muscovy behavior. ESPECIALLY at only 10 weeks old.

 

[foxhomechickens]

0 of dozens of chickens have been harmed. 0 runner ducks have been harmed. I have seen the muscovys pick fights with each other. The little ones are the meanest.

<-i caught this muscovy hurting another muscovy today.He was attacking this one->

the duck who was assaulted was the larger of the two. He ran away and climbed the chickenwire like a monkey to get to safety.

 

[Birdcrazy]

10 week old ducks are doing this? Are you sure?
Ducks don't do this at all, really.

and the smallest ones are the meanest?

But answering Goat Walker's questions will give a better idea to reasons why

 

[desertdarlene]

Something's not right. I know that siblings will peck at each other, but not to the point of murder. Is there any way you can separate them? Perhaps you can have a friend or neighbor keep them for a while and re-introduce them later?

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

I've had a drake that has killed others as well as chickens/roosters before.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
I agree deserdarlene, I have kept Muscovys for years and they would never kill one another. Maybe the drakes but never hens. Are you sure its the ducks killing each other and not something else? They dont just killl each other for the sake of it.

 

[foxhomechickens]

I have seen them attack each other a few times. I have seen them nipping to the point of blood dripping. If i see this i stop it i dont want them doing it. If i would have had the video camera in my pocket i would have taped it for a few seconds but it was quite blustery and i didnt think id use it. The daughter of the gal that i bought some of them from said it could be a lack of iron.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Which is a distinct clue that they are malnourished. Even "normal" people have been known to eat each other if starved enough. This may be your big clue as to the cause and solution.