Muscovy ducks murdering each other.

[satay]

Got to agree with the others. I can't see how muscoveys would do this to each other. I have had them for years and never seen anything like that. I think you need to look at a better food for them to start off with.

 

[RamblinLizard]

In regards to brain eating I have no idea for ducks, but I used to work at a pet store and when a hamster would die the others would open the skull and eat the brains. During training we were informed of this behavior in the animals and were told that there is some chemical in the brain that the other hamsters for some reason want to ingest. I only worked there a year but had to clean many a dead rodent with half their head missing. We did not sell ducks at the pet store and like I said before I don't know if this applies to yours but since it seems they were missing nutrients in their diet I could see the brain eating being a normal behavior in their situation...animals are weird.

 

[Olive Hill]

How big is your pen? How many birds are in it total (including all species)?

What strikes me is this, ducks are rather clean birds, if they're given the option of being. They'll make a mess with their food and with their water, but they keep themselves clean if they can. These ducks are thin and dirty. That's environmental.

I don't doubt for a second they're doing this to one another. They're not being vicious, they're trying to survive. The story about the duck catching a wild bird and devouring it supports this. They're malnourished. Other ducks contain the proteins, fats and vitamins and minerals they need. Feed them. They'll stop having to feed themselves.

 

[Caprice_Acres]

Quote:
COMPLETELY agree. Those birds do look thin and dirty. Dirtiness can cause ducks to not hold heat in well in the winter, and freeze. Also, being low in weight can also kill them in winters.

They NEED better nutrition, asap. Not just protein, but a well rounded diet. Add a vitamin/mineral mix to their water (Vi-Tal contains minerals, electrolytes, and vitamins). Offer feed that is at LEAST 18%, but a gamebird feed would be even better to get them back to a good shape. If you get a custom mix, get a variety of grains and also put in a mineral mix. Offering alfalfa hay in a hay net is also great for poultry especially if they cannot free range.

 

[Dingle]

I arrived home from work today to find all but 2 of my baby muscovy ducks with their new feathers plucked and bleeding. They are between 2 and 3 months old. I cought 2 males of the same age red handed doing this. So it's surprising but it does happen. I have separated the bullys and am keeping my eye on everyone. I dont believe its a lack of food or nutrition because there is no shortage of their food supply out with them. They were born in the snow this year so they have been kept pinned up indoors alot lately togather while its below freezing level for warmth. It's possible they are doing this out of bordom of lack of space? Maybe i should let them all out freely with the adult birds in the yard where they can have their own personal space. Im just worried about them in the cold as they arent fully feathered yet.

 

[Dances with Ducks]

Dingle, Holderread mentions that bordom and not enough space can sometimes cause feather eating. You are right to be concerned about them getting too cold this time of year though, so you don't want to risk that.
I'm wondering if this recent thread might have some ideas that could help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=443162
You say they have plenty of food, I assume you mean a fresh, good quality starter feed for chickens or for gamebirds?
And do they also have some fresh greens available? I think that can really make a difference in their nutritional status.

 

[canadianchick]

unless you have zombie ducks , which is unlikely , some other predator is killing your animals. The most obvious answer is usually the right one

.

 

[Snakeman]

Quote:
Muscovy are often chosen by a predator because they are slower than ducks and chickens.

 

[Snakeman]

If it is nutritional then I would recommend "Blue Seal" unmediated game bird feed. Starter crumbles or Grower Cal pellets. I give this to all my ducks and Muscovy. Yours are old enough that I would go with the Grower Cal pellets. I add a little corn in winter to help fatten them up and they get treats once a day all year round. Treats are usually peas but have given a wide variety of fruits, veggies, greens and sometimes a bit of cat food. I have yet to have any health issues. I should mention that my ducks and Muscovy, free range from about a half hour after sunrise until dusk. All my birds are healthy, happy and lay wonderful eggs with good hard shells.