Question - do your muscovy slow down on flying in winter?

[RebinNH]

My drake and 2 hens were all flying regularly and periodically during the day. Each AM they would take off for a few yards as they came out of their coop. I think to stretch their wings after a long night inside the coop.
They rarely fly anymore and now it is more of a flop flying, to get up or down somewhere higher or to have a quick get away from me. Are ducks (muscovy) likely to slow in their antics in the (our first) winter?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My young ones will fly more, but as they mature past a year or so most get too heavy to take off without something to encourage them. Here it's usually a dog. How old are yours?

 

[RebinNH]

Mine seem a bit lighter weight (at least the male) this winter. They were all born last April/late March, so under a year. I have nothing to encourage them. They won't even chase the squirrel away from their food! They seem very fit to me and I have not spoiled them with excess heat in their coop at night. The frozen ground (icy in spots) and the snow does slow them down, as they seem uncomfortable walking on it - especially on cloudy days, like today. I really miss seeing them fly and hope they don't forget how!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

After a year in age my females only fly on occasion. The males never do again as they get pretty heavy. It is cool to watch them fly in from the field.

 

[RebinNH]

Shoot! I was counting on them being able to escape prediters if need be! I also LOVE to see them fly, as I am pretty sure they get a lot of joy from it and they are just so cool!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Shoot! I was counting on them being able to escape prediters if need be! I also LOVE to see them fly, as I am pretty sure they get a lot of joy from it and they are just so cool!

Being able to fly hasn't stopped predators here, so don't rely on it. I've had fox and coyote get mine, and occasionally a hawk. Muscovy can only fly for so long before landing and mine always land on the ground. Than they are fatigued and aren't exactly good runners. Might be different if they flew up to the trees, but they don't unfortunately.

 

[RebinNH]

Do you have trees nearby? I have low roofs and a fenced deck that I'm pretty sure they could access. Though they often chose to hang out under my house overhang, probably of late because there is actual grass, as opposed to snow there.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Lots of trees here. One gathering spot is under some spruce trees.

My muscovy wander quite far to forage sometimes. That's the main reason we keep them, and they are free range. They help to control pest bugs like ticks and Japanese beetles.

Some years we lose some, some years we don't. I always hatch yearly just in case, and I try to provide as much protection as possible. Their pasture mates, the two donkeys are getting older and they aren't as good as keeping predators away as they once were.

 

[RebinNH]

I have no pasture or mates for the 3. Just a yard that is pretty easy to observe. The only predators I have seen here are porcupines and moles. Lots of grass along a brook with leafy plants/herbs. I too expect them to eat bugs (ticks especially!) this spring. That was actually what inspired me to get ducks but now I just love them. You most likely have a lot more than me. I guard (at least keep track) them while home (which is a lot) and when not, I put them in their protected run.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've never been able to let my Muscovy just fly when they want too. We are surrounded by woods and just about any predator, you can think of and more so every fall after molt I clip one wing on my females to keep them inside their fencing. This past fall I didn't clip since mine are going on 12yrs I am going to see if I'll need to clip once spring gets here. Hopefully not.