Muscovy Ducks

[rhmcdowell]

I have heard great things about Muscovy ducks and would like to start a flock on my two acre pond. I have a clean two acre pond about 600 yards from the house. What kind of shelter will I need to provide? What about predators? If I give them feed will they hang around or will I have to clip their wings to keep them from flying off? Do I need to start with adults or can I hatch my own. At what age can I put them on the pond and let them fend for themselves?

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

@Miss Lydia has Muscovy ducks
She can probably help you

 

[lost-duckling]

buy some adults and stick them out there with cage for at night. or if its a predator free yard just buy an adult trio and stick them out there with a 2 acre pond you shouldn't even have to feed them if you only have a few (i takes about an acre of pond to support 2 ducks and their ducklings).
Even better if you pond has trees by it or better yet a small island in the middle that they can sleep/nest on. If you buy them now you could have like over 50 buy this time next year

 

[Miss Lydia]

I could never just set out my Muscovy and let them fend for themselves. Our across the river neighbors did that and by the time I rescued them, there were only 2 left. All got picked off by predators. If we're going to have domesticated ducks then it's our responsibility to care for them just like any other pet. They need a safe coop for sleeping and fresh feed daily. AND Muscovy are domesticated unless you go where they are feral or in Texas where they are protected because they are migratory and that is only one area in Texas I believe. Even feral were domesticated at one time but either was dumped or flew away from where they were kept.
And yes they multiply like crazy so it's our responsibility to also be careful not to let the population get out of control by picking up eggs to prevent more Muscovy than you want.

 

[rhmcdowell]

buy some adults and stick them out there with cage for at night. or if its a predator free yard just buy an adult trio and stick them out there with a 2 acre pond you shouldn't even have to feed them if you only have a few (i takes about an acre of pond to support 2 ducks and their ducklings).
Even better if you pond has trees by it or better yet a small island in the middle that they can sleep/nest on. If you buy them now you could have like over 50 buy this time next year

Thanks for your reply. I don’t quite understand what you mean about a cage for at night. Just an open dog crate? Would I have to herd them in and close the door to protect against predators? I do have trees on maybe 50% of shoreline. Will they roost in the trees? If I feed them will they hang around? Will I need to clip their wings. If I do that how will they get to their roost?

Thanks

 

[bhaugh]

Not all muscovy roost. I bought two females that did but I've had others that never did. By clipping their wings to keep them from flying off, they would be a meal for another predator. And without taming them, they won't have much to do with you and that would be a shame since this breed is what makes them such a great bird to have. I'd pen them as ducklings and they could go down to swim during the day but penned at night for their safety. If you want ducks on your pond you don't have to care for, try and get wild ducks to come in during the spring.