Should I switch to muscovy? *UPDATE I found a breeder

[jdywntr]

I have Indian Runner ducks now. I enjoy them, they are hilarious. They are pets to a degree but with runners, they are not the friendliest not mean just nervous. I'm thinking of switching to Muscovy though.
I first wanted ducks for food but figured that was not realistic in my suburban setting. My thing now is I have runner ducklings that I'm waiting to sex since nobody was interested in buying them when they were little and I'm hoping by knowing male or female I'll be able to sell them. So, if I end up with too many that I can't get rid of, the most logical thing would be to put them in the freezer. Alot of work for such small ducks. With muscovy, at least the effort would be worth the work.

Any thoughts?

 

[aineheartsyou]

maybe keep all of the female runners for eggs and get scovies for meat?

 

[pbjmaker]

I wish I had more scovies! I can't keep the drakes in stock - I think I'm underselling myself or something.

 

[Going Quackers]

I'm unfamiliar with runners.. they look cute though

I do know muscovy are supposed to be good eating.. and i also know based on my two drakes reach a real good(almost turkey size) very quickly @ 3.5mths+ my drakes are BIG. However, i refuse to get personal with my food so mine are purely pets.

 

[jdywntr]

Quote:
I thought about that or keeping male runners and getting female scovies but then I would not be able to replenish my own stock so I'd need to periodically purchase more breeders and I'm not sure sizewise what I'd end up with.
I'm not worried about getting personal with my food

I haven't named any of my birds with the exception of names based on color ie blue and coco. I would just like to be able to be a bit more self suffecient at least until I talk my hubby into moving to more space (may have to force him

) I like the quiet and calm characteristic of the muscovy. It gets a bit old when everyone panics because you open the back door.

 

[aineheartsyou]

maybe I have weird runners because all of mine are calm and friendly

 

[jdywntr]

Quote:
I think yours are weird.

I did not handle mine much when they were young. They do come running for treats but the stampeed when I get close is ridiculous. Having to catch them is quite a chore.

 

[vfem]

Runners are great layers... muscovies are good meat birds or pets, but mine is a seasonal layer, so not many eggs.

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Muscovies are from 8years down to 10 weeks and you just about have to walk over them to get out the door, they are very calm birds.

 

[vfem]

Quote:
Like mine, she may even dart into the house from your back door she so wants to be into everything you're doing! LOL