Muscovys and call ducks

[Quackers08]

In a few days I am planning on purchasing some Muscovy ducks. However, the only place I would be able to keep them for a few weeks is in a run with my 7 call ducks by night and then they can have the run to themselves by day whilst my calls are out and then go out also.

So, the question is would Muscovys and calls be okay together? I have a book that says they can be difficult and kill chickens but on the same page someone has said they are lovely and full of character.

I want Muscovys really bad and this seems like my chance but I won't get them at the expense of my call ducks. Please help!!

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

Both breeds are wonderful, but the Muscovy drakes are going to find the call hens attractive... and they will be awfully rough on the little ladies.

 

[Kevin565]

Sorry but it's defiantly a huge risk that I personally would not take. A angry Muscovy could easily harm a Call duck like it was nothing not to mention the issue of possible breeding.

 

[Quackers08]

Okay... I could build a little lash up house just until I get a proper one built... Or keep a pair in a small run and hope I can get one made ASAP... Or seperate the run for a while. Going to have to think of something soon

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

The larger drakes will really damage the call hens' heads when they try to grab them, also. Sorry, but separate is best.

 

[DuckLady]

My muscovy drake killed 2 of my pekins by their very rough mating rituals which includes stomping and standing on the ducks' backs. I can imagine what they would do to a call.

I would recommend against mixing the 2 breeds or you will just be asking for trouble.

 

[Going Quackers]

My muscovy drake killed 2 of my pekins by their very rough mating rituals which includes stomping and standing on the ducks' backs. I can imagine what they would do to a call.

I would recommend against mixing the 2 breeds or you will just be asking for trouble.

um, wow that is awful!

OP are you getting girls or boys? the girls are not as big plus you wouldn't have the desire to mate as you do with a drake. Calls are awfully teeny though, so i would be hesitant to mix them with a larger breed personally.

I would like to get some calls myself someday but they will be housed away from my flock of 'scovies just as a precaution.

 

[jdywntr]

I love my muscovy but I can't imagine mixing them with a smaller breed. The stomping, as stated before, seems VERY rough and muscovy hens are built for this. I would suggest waiting until you are set up for them to get them. I know that it can be very hard to wait when something that is not always available IS available but you must consider your current ducks. Muscovy grow quickly and HUGE.

 

[keeperofthehearth]

My Muscovy and Calls are together. That said, my Calls were raised along w/my Scovy and their parents were raised by a Muscovy hen & identified w/Muscovy so much so that they 'roost' along w/them in the duck shed instead of choosing a place on the floor. My Scovy drakes have NEVER tried to breed my Calls that I'm aware of ...though my Call drakes do try to breed my Scovy hens upon occasion.

In fact, my Call drake, Jack, used to chase my Scovy drakes and bite their tails..... lol.... the Scovy drakes seemed to NOT know how to deal w/such a firecracker. Scovy fight differently than Calls. You can mix the two but you would need to slowly introduce them, I believe. The Call drakes will watch out for their hens. You would want a place for the Calls to escape to while they all adjusted to each other though. I had more trouble w/the Call drakes getting flailed by my Scovy hens when the Calls tried to mount them....

...... and the girls didn't want anything to do w/them. They can be

 

[Quackers08]

Thanks for all of the replies. So, today I brought a duck and 11 ducklings. How would I know whether they were boys of girls? Would be greatful for any information on them. Thanks