New to our flock

[ria17]

Hi I have a couple of questions, I am getting a pair of muscovies today and was wondering how long I should keep them in the coop for them to get use to being here? Another question is can you tell the age of the ducks as the person i am getting them off isn't sure of the age.
Thanks in advance

 

[Welshies]

Are they going to be free ranging? If so, keep them in the coop for 2-4 weeks so they know it's home. You will probably want to clip one wing.
If they aren't free ranging, and are kept in a fenced area, let them out anytime. If uncovered, clip one wing.
If you post pictures, I can tell you how old they are.
Also, do you have other breeds of ducks?

 

[ria17]

Thanks I was thinking maybe 2 weeks, they will be free range eventually I will try and post pics once i get them, I also have a Rouen male, I have had muscovies before but the pigs ate them and the drake we were given ran off I think it was because we didn't keep him in for long.

 

[Welshies]

Thanks I was thinking maybe 2 weeks, they will be free range eventually I will try and post pics once i get them, I also have a Rouen male, I have had muscovies before but the pigs ate them and the drake we were given ran off I think it was because we didn't keep him in for long.

Well...
Muscovies are actually not ducks, they are a seperate species. Mallard derived ducks (any breed of duck excluding a Muscovy) are unable to properly mate with other species- namely Muscovies. The offspring they produce (AND THEY WILL PRODUCE) are hybrids, sterile and non-fertile. They can't lay eggs, and can not ever have offspring.
So please, be aware of this if mixing Mallard derivides and Muscovies.

 

[ria17]

thanks for telling me that information as I always just thought they were ducks! It will be female and male muscovy, still have to find a mate for my little Rouen male, not htat he minds really, i am sure he thinks he is a dog quacks when the dogs bark or one of the dogs gets out of their pen and follows me around like a little dog too he is soooo cute

 

[Welshies]

thanks for telling me that information as I always just thought they were ducks! It will be female and male muscovy, still have to find a mate for my little Rouen male, not htat he minds really, i am sure he thinks he is a dog quacks  when the  dogs bark or one of the  dogs gets out of their pen and follows me around like a little dog too he is soooo cute

Awesome! Just realize any duck- or Muscovy- will mate with any duck or Muscovy. So they do need to be seperated just in case.

 

[ria17]

Hi Welshies
I took a photo of my muscovies, not very good because they wouldn't stand still kept bobbing their heads and hissing at me So how do i attach it on here? it's ok i did it, see below can you tell the age? thanks

 

[ria17]

 

[Welshies]

Hi Welshies
I took a photo of my muscovies, not very good because they wouldn't stand still kept bobbing their heads and hissing at me   So how do i attach it on here? it's ok i did it, see below can you tell the age? thanks

They sure look mature to me! They are super cute! I'm guessing 1 or 2 years old.

 

[ria17]

Thank you, they are getting use to me The female stopped hissing for a few seconds haha.