Muscovy Newby

[Kporter]

Hi! I was given 6 Muscovy ducks by a friend. They would be almost 7 months now and have been together from hatchlings. They are 5 females and 1 drake. Recently the females starting fighting ( one had her nail ripped off). Now, my drake keeps biting the females. As, I am brand new at this I have no idea why they are doing this and how to stop it. Any help would be appreciated

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hormones and breeding season right around the corner.

Is your drake drawing blood ripping out feathers?

 

[Kporter]

He is biting at wings, tails and sometimes neck if he can get his nails into their back. Usually when I see it I go stop him. I haven’t noticed any blood yet from his attacks. Just from the 2 females

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Muscovy Drake also likes to stand on top of his girls backs he isn't breeding with them just likes to stand on them. They can be nutty.

My females will fight and chase each other around then one will get the other down make her stay that way for a few secs then up they go till it's starts again. It all has to do with Hormones.

Pics when you get a chance.

 

[chickens really]

Are you sure you only have the one Drake?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Female Muscovy's bicker and fight but it usually doesn't amount to injury.

 

[Kporter]

Yes. Only 1 drake. Should I be concerned about breeding season? Should I separate them? I got them in October at 3months and have figured a lot out on my own.... they hate romaine lettuce but would do anything for warm peas, don’t try to get them in from the pond if they aren’t ready etc. They have always been a close bunch and stick together chattering. This fighting is only in the last few weeks

 

[Kporter]

 

[Kporter]

 

[Kporter]

That is the injury to my one female that was fighting. It bled quite a bit. I’ve been watching it for infection but she seems OK