Permanent Muscovy Run under Mature Apple Trees? Good idea?

[Mike592]

Hi everyone, I've been keeping a small flock of chickens for awhile and am now considering getting a few Muscovy ducks. I have no experience with ducks.

Let me know if this is a good idea or not...

I plan to build a coop with an enclosed, but open air run, and have that be just outside of a small apple grove of seven 20 year old trees. Then I'll have electric net fencing around the apple trees the ducks will have access to during the day. I'm guessing this apple paddock would be about 50' x 75'.

I'm thinking two ducks, 1 drake, then their ducklings now and then until they (humanely and respectfully) go in the freezer.

The birds will clean up any pests and fertilize the apple trees. That's the good.

Is there any bad? Will the ducks tear up under the apple trees so much it could hurt the trees? Anything else I should think about?

Thanks!

 

[sourland]

I don't foresee any bad. I'd go with a drake and 2 or 3 hens. In my opinion muscovies are the best eating duck. As a kid my parents raised Muscovy/Pekin crosses, and they were great eating, but that is a story in and of itself.