Muscovy keepers share your pics!

[Bleenie]

My muscovy eggs are usually off-white to a light tan color. they also have somewhat of a 'waxxy' feel to the shells, much different than chicken eggs.

 

[keeperofthehearth]

I think it depends somewhat on where you live. My new girls began laying last year in March, brooded in April with first hatch 1st of May. This year I have two hens who are related, mom & daughter, that are STILL laying.

. I just broke one fm brooding her clutch of 16 eggs and thought she would quit for the winter but she layed an egg this morning after only a 2 day break. No extra lighting and no extra heat and it's COLD here. I don't know if it's genetics at play or a steady diet of enough protien etc.
Eggs are a light creamy off white. Some will have a bit of a green alge tint esp. the first early pullet eggs or after a break then they seem to get "cleaner" color wise. Don't have any pic's but do have a dozen sitting on the counter drying right now. I can post a pic tomorrow if no one else post first.

 

[OSUman]

Cool, i was just wonderin cause idk if mine is laying yet cause she free ranges and i want to pen her up for when she starts laying.

Thanks

 

[duck&chickencrazy]

I just got these guys a while ago and here are some pics of them!!!

 

[Bleenie]

Those are just AMAZING!!

they're so perfectly dark blue and solid. gorgeous....im jealous!

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Hi Amy,
How are your girls weathering this bitter cold?
I made the decision today to rig up 1 heat lamp w/125w heat bulb on a thermo cube (35-45degress) for those below 0 & single diget January days. I noticed my Scovies shed isn't too bad when I open up in the mornings but they do head straight for their warmed up 2gl water bowls & stand around in them keeping their feet warm till the water starts freezing back up. Reminds me of the hot springs back west what with the steam coming off the bowls and the ducks piling in taking turns warming up in the water.

 

[swheat]

Does anyone know the age when young muscovy drakes become fertile ?

 

[Bleenie]

My 7month old drake still isnt doing the deed, I think about another month or so and he'll get with the program.

hopeing to find a home before that though!

 

[ilroost]

osuman when mine start laying this year i can keep some for you if you want. im not hatching as many as i always do

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Does anyone know the age when young muscovy drakes become fertile ?

Hmmm, it may depend on genetics, opportunity/competition and a willing fertile female. I've had mine go into breeding mode somewhere around 4mo - 6mo old. It does take them a week or so "to get it right."