Muscovy Hen with ducklings questions

[remadl700]

We have just received a hen with 14 ducklings.

My questions are:

At what point will the ducklings be able to free range with the hen? They are 5 days old.
How soon will she lay another clutch of eggs? and will she this year?
Do we need to remove the ducklings in order to get her to lay sooner? My guess is yes.
We are using some of the birds for meat, so at what weight is best to process?
What we have heard is that they need to be processed when they get full feathered. Is this correct?

Any other tips are welcome.

 

[keeperofthehearth]

#1. Now. You may want to consider any predator problems you might have when making that decision. My ducklings free range w/momma Scovy as soon as I let her out of the duck house..... at this time of year is 2days after hatch.
#2. She can lay another clutch this year, depending on your weather, housing, etc.
#3. Yes, the sooner the ducklings are removed the sooner she will begin laying again. Two weeks or so after she breaks her broodiness.
#4. Best processed at 12wks, before molt into adult feathering.

 

[remadl700]

Quote:
On #3: To qlarify, when the ducklings are two weeks old its ok to remove them from the hen? Will they need a heat source?

Also we heard the we can cross the muscovies with ruen's with mallard coloring but which way is preferred?


OH ..... and thank you

 

[chickensrfood]

You want to do the male rouen with a female muscovy. Keep in mind the babies will be mule ducks and be sterile. They are usually very colorful and fly well though.