Muscovy hen aggression ?s

[cat1994]

Hi, I am going to get two muscovy hens to brood my other duck eggs. I have heard that muscovy drakes can be aggressive toward baby ducklings and can even kill them if they are not separated. I just wanted to know if muscovy hens are also aggressive toward other muscovy hens ducklings? I am planning on the two hens sharing a house and a very big covered run. Do you think this is enough space for them to not feel over crowded and attacke the others babies?

 

[foxhomechickens]

I don't think the hens will attack the ducklings. My old hen never does.

 

[cat1994]

So if one muscovy hen has ducklings running around but the other muscovy hen does not have any ducklings, the one with no ducklings will not try to kill the other hens ducklings?

 

[desertdarlene]

There was a thread just a few days ago of some drakes and hens killing ducklings. She only managed to save two of them. I think it depends on the individual birds and the living situation. If it were me, I would keep other hens and drakes away from the mother and ducklings until the ducklings are older.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have Muscovies and know from experience that is way better to keep the momma and ducklings separate till the ducklings can at least get away from the other ducks... usually around 3 weeks they are better able to get away and they know what might hurt them.