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

[DUCKGIRL89]

Well, if these aRe breeders why cant you get close to them? Im close to my rouen breeders that im breeding for the table. Im not eating them just babies! Once they get older.

 

[jdywntr]

Quote:
This is basically what I was thinking.

I figure with older ones there will be more of a size difference so I will

that I pick well. I also am not a duck cuddler especially if they are destined for the table, no pets/names needed.

Just wondering about this but since your in Fl and they are having such a terrible time with Muscovies there you would think it would be illegal to sell or own one.

MANY people down here breed/sell local craigslist has about 10 ads right now. As far as I know the regulations are not set in stone yet. They do say (if what I read was correct) that owning muscovy as pets would be illegal but if you were using them for eggs/meat it is okay. There is some talk of needing to id your birds, not sure about that though. I figure I will clip there wings until adult size (if no problem with trying to fly after that, I'll see)
I think the state figures that people with pet ducks may be more inclined to dump them if they decide not to keep whereas people with egg/meat birds would just put them in the freezer if they had to get rid of them. Not sure but thats what I think.

 

[jdywntr]

Quote:
True. I hadn't thought about it that way. I was thinking that if I ended up with too many males, I wouldn't want to be butchering Mr. Ducky who I held in my arms and snuggled with though.

I wonder what my DH or others would think of this "im not eating them just babies"

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
According to Metzer farms (I haven't pulled the actual regs):

“You must physically mark all offspring hatched in captivity before they are 6 weeks of age in accordance with section 21.13(b), unless you hold them at a public zoological park or a public, scientific or educational institution.” The USFWS's accepted methods of marking are 1) clip off the back toe on the right foot, 2) pinion one wing, 3) leg band with a seamless band or 4) tattoo the bird.

that tattooing would be on the webbing of a foot.. the leg and foot that is marked/banded MUST remain attached to the bird when it's butchered.. so if they were to ever inspect you and check your birds in the freezer the pinioned wing must be intact or the foot must still be attached. Finding a seamless band that will fit an adult muscovy is going to be a tough task... so I am opting for pinioning babies or tattooing babies and adults. Pet muscovys are illegal.. you can only keep and breed them for meat/egg production.. but any muscovys on your property are supposed to be marked according to the regs​

 

[jdywntr]

Quote:
Thanks for the info. Pinioning is the removal of the first wing joint correct?

I am going to look more into this, certainly wouldn't want to break the law. I'm wondering what will be the easiest/least distressing option?

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
Thanks for the info. Pinioning is the removal of the first wing joint correct?

I am going to look more into this, certainly wouldn't want to break the law. I'm wondering what will be the easiest/least distressing option?

yup.. pinioning is removing the wing tip.. they say that there is minimal blood loss with pinioning or claw removal when done to young ducklings.. I am going the tattoo route for older birds because it's more painful for them to have their wings pinioned (or the claws removed) .. for weaker ducklings the tattooing would also be less stressful

banding WOULD be the easiest IF we could find seamless bands that would fit an adult muscovy.. but so far i havent been able to locate anything that will work that fits the requirements of being seamless

 

[jdywntr]

Quote:
Thanks for the info. Pinioning is the removal of the first wing joint correct?

I am going to look more into this, certainly wouldn't want to break the law. I'm wondering what will be the easiest/least distressing option?

yup.. pinioning is removing the wing tip.. they say that there is minimal blood loss with pinioning or claw removal when done to young ducklings.. I am going the tattoo route for older birds because it's more painful for them to have their wings pinioned (or the claws removed) .. for weaker ducklings the tattooing would also be less stressful

banding WOULD be the easiest IF we could find seamless bands that would fit an adult muscovy.. but so far i havent been able to locate anything that will work that fits the requirements of being seamless

Hmm. I'm thinking that if there is a federal requirement maybe soon someone will make a band that fits. I think I would prefer that but it would be odd to have banded duck in the freezer.

 

[jdywntr]

After some internet searches I have found that, according to fws.gov

"Other regulations finalized at the same time as the listing and Control Order that restrict possession of Muscovy Ducks and require a permit to sell captive-bred Muscovy Ducks for food will not be administered at this time because the Service plans to revise those regulations in the near future."

link http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/

Also on the fac sheet link

Do I need a migratory bird permit to raise and sell muscovy ducks now?
No. Although we amended the regulations at 50 CFR 21.14 and 21.25 to restrict possession and sale of
muscovy ducks, we will not restrict possession or sale, or issue permits for this species at this
time. As a result of information received since publication of the final rules, the Service has
decided to revise the regulations.


For now, they have regulated the release of muscovy to the wild.

So, I am not going to worry about it but may not get the black & white.

Just in case.