muscovy info wanted

[chasing ducks]

I plan to breed my runners but I hear they make terrible mothers. However I have been told that muscovy females make excellent mothers, is this true? If so would it be wise of me to buy some muscovys and use the females to help with the eggs/ducklings? I know there is a law that has passed prohibiting selling muscovies, but I have also heard that it is on hold, so I am wondering if I should buy some hatching eggs now, just in case I can't later. Also, how long do they incubate for and what temp? Will I need to worry about my male runners mating with them? I am not sure how that works since muscovies don't originate from wild mallards. How do you tell males from females with out the sex feather?

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Scovy hens do make excellent broodies and moms. I have 5 right now, 3 with ducklings and two still sitting on eggs. Scovy eggs incubate for 35 days but they are pretty difficult to hatch out. I'd recommend buying some ducklings (since duckling season is upon us) or adult hens. The drakes are quite a bit larger than the females, have more caruncling on their faces, larger feet and vocalize by hissing once they are about 4 months old. The hens coo..... VERY PRETTY sound.

You can usually tell drakes fm hens starting around 3-5 wks old. Of course, the older they are the easier it is to tell. The male runners can mate with your Scovy.... if she lets him.... but the resulting ducklings would be mules (sterile).

 

[lovesduckies]

yuo scovies are wonderful moms. my first time broody hen laid 21 eggs, 19 fertile. we have a little over a week to go and she's still laying on 19 eggs. she's very protective of them. (i have only been able to candle them once) not to mention, she's in my bedroom laying on them

 

[chasing ducks]

I haven't seen any hatcheries with listings for muscovies, where would be a good place to look?

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Check out the Muscovy Duck Central Breeders map on link below to locate breeders near you.


http://www.muscovyduckcentral.com/breedersmap.html

 

[allanimals21]

I don't think you will find a hatchery selling them

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Natures Hatchery in Illinois still has some. They are out of the colored ones but the white are on Sale for $5.50 ea. May 10 last date for 2010. Minimum of 15, I think.
Hatcheries are still selling them but many have run out for this year. I also think they are waiting to see what the new revised regs. are but they are in the forfront talking to Dr. Allen of FWS.

edited to add: J.M. Hatchery has them avail. May 25th. You have to call their office to place an order. $6.00ea.