We get eggs from them and have eaten extra drakes. I want to breed them for further meat production. I need to get a new incubator and plan out a grow out space. I tried letting them nest last year naturally, but they failed to hatch a single egg of their own after several nesting attempts. Maybe they'll have learned by this year.
I hope they figure it out for you. How are they at laying eggs?
The eggs are very abundant in Spring and Summer. The problem e have is they like to find hidden places to nest. There was a nest on a fishing net in a compost bin that left out on accident. A few nests were built in 2-3 ft tall weeds that we let grow for the birds to munch on. Another was tucked against our evergreen tree. We have to have an egg hunt in the yard any time we are not getting eggs because the odds are they built a new nest.
I’m sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. I remember reading that ducks typically lay first thing in the morning and you should leave them locked up until they do to avoid the egg hunt. I don’t know how true that is.
The problem is sourcing muscovies around here. I initially wanted them, but the feed stores don't carry muscovies and I haven't had luck finding a person within a reasonable drive with them who would be willing to sell ducklings. I could order hatching eggs, but it's costly and risky and I need a new incubator.
Oh wow that’s far too late for our climate in summer. I hope to only keep them locked in until about 0830.
