After sadly losing my sweet pied Muscovy last month due to EYP, I’m back down to a flock of 3, 2 Rouens (4 and 5 years old), and one Muscovy (5 years old). Usually, my rule is that a bad day for one animal should be a good day for another, and I add a new family member as soon as I’m comfortable. I didn’t immediately add a new duck as my remaining Muscovy, the sister of the bird who passed, was stuck in a psychotically broody phase, sitting on an empty nest, attacking any living being who so much as breathed nearby.
I finally had the time to break her out of it, and she’s regained her sanity. However, she’s always been a difficult girl. Her sister was the good natured one, getting along well with the Rouens, and tolerating her sister’s worst moods. She would also block her sister when she became aggressive with the Rouens.
My remaining Muscovy is capable of being good, but when she’s bad, she’s bad. So, adding a new Muscovy requires some thought.
I’m in no rush. I think it’s doing her some good to be the ”odd bird out” with her 2 Rouen sisters as she either has to behave, or not be a part of the flock. I’m a little worried about going into the winter with such a small flock, but is 3 so much more different than 4?
One thought I’ve had is to wait until spring, find some fertile ‘Scovy eggs, and let her raise her own family as she’s always wanted to do. Any drakes would have to go, so I don’t know how many eggs I would get.
I could also find another adult, one who is the same age, but I don’t know how that would go. I don’t want to get too many Muscovies, as I don’t want to overwhelm the sweet and harmless Rouens.
I could get another Rouen, but my ‘Scovy would still not have anyone who speaks her language.
I could leave things as they are.
If it was up to my husband, we would add lots of birds. However, as the one who does the majority of the caretaking, I’d rather not.
Anyways, I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you in advance!
I would like to add that getting rid of remaining Muscovy is not an option. As challenging as she can be, I love her and I do not think it’s right to make her someone else’s problem. Also, as often as I’ve threatened her, I refuse to put her in a stewpot!
I finally had the time to break her out of it, and she’s regained her sanity. However, she’s always been a difficult girl. Her sister was the good natured one, getting along well with the Rouens, and tolerating her sister’s worst moods. She would also block her sister when she became aggressive with the Rouens.
My remaining Muscovy is capable of being good, but when she’s bad, she’s bad. So, adding a new Muscovy requires some thought.
I’m in no rush. I think it’s doing her some good to be the ”odd bird out” with her 2 Rouen sisters as she either has to behave, or not be a part of the flock. I’m a little worried about going into the winter with such a small flock, but is 3 so much more different than 4?
One thought I’ve had is to wait until spring, find some fertile ‘Scovy eggs, and let her raise her own family as she’s always wanted to do. Any drakes would have to go, so I don’t know how many eggs I would get.
I could also find another adult, one who is the same age, but I don’t know how that would go. I don’t want to get too many Muscovies, as I don’t want to overwhelm the sweet and harmless Rouens.
I could get another Rouen, but my ‘Scovy would still not have anyone who speaks her language.
I could leave things as they are.
If it was up to my husband, we would add lots of birds. However, as the one who does the majority of the caretaking, I’d rather not.
Anyways, I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you in advance!
I would like to add that getting rid of remaining Muscovy is not an option. As challenging as she can be, I love her and I do not think it’s right to make her someone else’s problem. Also, as often as I’ve threatened her, I refuse to put her in a stewpot!
I’ll let him know that you are on his side! I think I’d be more enthusiastic about a bigger flock if I wasn’t doing the vast majority of the cleaning! 
