What is the fate of your ducks?

[Kathy farms]

Same with me. I only have 2 ducks. Started with 3, but a year ago a hawk killed my Gigi. I cried and mourned for weeks because she was basically a family member. I am also a vegetarian. I don't even do anything with the eggs, I just throw them out lol.
My duckies are like my children. I just want them to be happy and healthy.

At least keeping two is easier than having a flock as pet. Eventually some will have to go away and that may include serving them on the table.

 

[Kathy farms]

false

 

[Kathy farms]

My ducks are for food, either as eggs or meat.  I should qualify that I pay someone else to do the butchering.  My husband helps me process our chickens and I thought our first ducks would be just the same.  Of course, they're so pretty and personable that I got attached to them and after the first one, I cried and my husband said he'd not butcher another duck with me.  He got a bit attached to them as well.
Around here some local Amish ladies will do custom poultry butchering.  I sure do love me some roasted duck!

I think it will be easier to use for food when their numbers have increased and therefore not having a direct attachment with them as the first generation.

 

[Kathy farms]

My ducks are for food, either as eggs or meat.  I should qualify that I pay someone else to do the butchering.  My husband helps me process our chickens and I thought our first ducks would be just the same.  Of course, they're so pretty and personable that I got attached to them and after the first one, I cried and my husband said he'd not butcher another duck with me.  He got a bit attached to them as well.
Around here some local Amish ladies will do custom poultry butchering.  I sure do love me some roasted duck!

It is easier to use for food when their numbers have increased and therefore not having a direct attachment with them as the first generation.

 

[Kathy farms]

@Miss Lydia, please at what age did your muscovies started laying? Thank you.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Miss Lydia, please at what age did your muscovies started laying? Thank you.

They are at least 8-9 months old.

 

[Kathy farms]

They are at least 8-9 months old.

I'm not sure of the age mine are currently. They were matured when I brought them in. I'm anxiously waiting for the first egg and the eventual ducklings.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm not sure of the age mine are currently. They were matured when I brought them in. I'm anxiously waiting for the first egg and the eventual ducklings.

Mine have be slow to start laying this spring, last year they were laying in Feb. We had extreme frigid temps in Feb this year and I think that set them back, but usually once mating begins eggs aren't far behind.

 

[Kathy farms]

Mine have be slow to start laying this spring, last year they were laying in Feb. We had extreme frigid temps in Feb  this year and I think that set them back, but usually once mating begins eggs aren't far behind.

Regarding mating, the older male ( 2 males, 6 females) has been chasing the females but gives up after few rounds of unsuccessful attempts. Is this a normal courting behaviour?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Regarding mating, the older male ( 2 males, 6 females) has been chasing the females but gives up after few rounds of unsuccessful attempts. Is this a normal courting behaviour?

Do you have any type of pool for them to mate in? they do a much better job in water. Mine don't seem to have much trouble on land either but having water available for the ducks I feel is important.