Muscovy space requirements?

[skirbo]

I just did get my first chicken coop set up and am now planning my extensions to it. I am planning a very long, large run based on chain link six foot tall dog kennels because I am both short and completely unable to build anything. I had intended this spring to get some muscovy ducks and try them in the finished coop, which would be about 80 feet long, with the chickens. Right now the 10x10x6 kennel has six hens and one rooster in it.

Someone near me has 10 muscovy for sale-8 girls, 2 boys - 1/2 are 1 year old and 1/2 are 5 months old. Seller wants them to stay together. I have another 10x10x6 kennel that I was planning to pick up next week anyway and add on to the existing coop.

So, I guess my question is, would a 10x10x6 be big enough to be temporary housing for 10 muscovy ducks? I work during the day and so they won't have tons of free ranging time, but I'm hoping it won't be that long before the whole run became 80 feet long. I'm just keeping an eye on craigslist, etc., for used kennels and/or chain link panels. Expensive in the long run, I suppose, but portable.

At any rate, some thoughts here would be appreciated.

Sarah

 

[shelleyd2008]

You would probably not want to free range them, unless you clip their wings. They can fly pretty good. But I think the pen would be all right for temporary housing. They would surely need more space for permanant residence. I believe the requirements for most standard sized ducks is like twice what you would have for chickens. If you do let them out, just make sure to wait to feed them until bedtime, they'll be easier to get back in. Plus leave them locked up for a while, so they know where home is!

 

[skirbo]

Thanks for the input!

 

[gretchenhau]

I have free ranged my 3 for over a year, the farthest they fly is from the back of the house to the front at feeding time. I feed them they don't leave.