muscovys personality?

[ben is a terror]

We went on a trip to CA and fell in love with a little muscovy that was at the place we stayed. He was very gentle ate out of hand and would wait by the slider for food Are they always this sweet? We are thinking of adding a pair of ducks to our flock. I like the fact that they are quite. I was told they have claws and scratch you if you hold them. Is this true. I really want cuddle ducks. Any suggestions? If not Muscovy than what is a good choice. Egg production is not important. Just the snuggle factor. We are going to get day or two old and keep them in the house as long as we can.Might try the diaper thing for a little but not sure. They will go out permanently at a later date.
You guys and galls are always so helpful

Is it safe to get ducklings at a farm auction? I mean health wise. How can you tell breed? I know sex can't be told till later so we might get a few and just keep a pair or 2 ladies Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again

 

[srsmith69]

My muscovys are not cuddle ducks, but they were about 10 weeks old when I got them. They are very mellow ducks, not real flighty. They do have claws that will tear you up if you don't hold them right. In nature, they would use the claws to climb/ perch in trees. Very quiet ducks. Good foragers.

 

[ModernGameGrl]

Are they always this sweet?

I've never known a muscovy to be aggressive say like geese who I've watch chase people around but you would have to work at keeping them tame if you want to be able to handle them.

I was told they have claws and scratch you if you hold them. Is this true. I really want cuddle ducks.

They have nails but I think all ducks do I know my brothers cyuga duck does you could always clip them back if need be. My drake has claws but they're fairly dull so I don't worry much about getting scratched.

Is it safe to get ducklings at a farm auction? I mean health wise. How can you tell breed? I know sex can't be told till later so we might get a few and just keep a pair or 2 ladies Any thoughts on that?

I buy at a fair number of auctions and have not had any health issues most auctions require they have the blood test done so that keeps major issues out of the flock and as for other health issues I've never had a problem. However having said that if you have the opportunity I would deal with a breeder especially if you've never had ducks before as they can offer you some great info you won't get anywhere else.​

 

[ModernGameGrl]

I also want to add if you're not set on breeding you might prefer a pair of females vs a breeding pair simply because they are a meat breed and the males especially get pretty hefty so they might be difficult to handle.

 

[Cuttlefishherder]

Just watch the talons, they need them for perching. Only the females will really perch because the males get to heavy to fly(they may not perch at all though). We are getting our first moscovies on Thursday and we are so exited! From what i have seen on moscovies, the talons are no sharper than chicken claws.

We are getting three, year old moscovies, if they aren't friendly we are considering keeping a trio of the ducklings because we want cuddle ducks too

You can sex baby ducklings, http://www.metzerfarms.com/SexingVideo.cfm?CustID=279993, it takes some practice, but you'll be able to tell by a few weeks the males will be bigger than the females.

Male moscovies get to be about 10 to 12 pounds, Females about 7 to 8.

I dont know any thing about farm auctions

I hope this all is some what helpful

 

[CranberryCreekFarm]

I had a little muscovy guy who was the sweetest thing ever! unfortunately he flew off of the hay loft ( no clue how he got that high) and didn't make it

But when we had him he was my favorite duck. He would eat outta my hand, cuddle in my lap if i sat on the grass and would bite my husbands ankle if we kissed ( jealous little guy!)

 

[ben is a terror]

It sounds like they can be sweet if you handle them alot when they are babies. Defiantly 2 ladies for us
i think we will look for a good breeder Any more help is always appreciated.
I just picked up 2 kiddie pools an a little tykes playhouse. Can they live in the shed with my hens (standards and a few bantams)?
Do they need a special type of roost?
Any good web sites on care food or other good stuff?
If not i'll be driving you guys crazy with ? I want HAPPY ducks