The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: digit on September 15, 2012, 02:44:44 pm

Title: Muscovy ducks
Post by: digit on September 15, 2012, 02:44:44 pm

I've got some Muscovy ducks that i hatch 8 weeks ago, at what sort of age would they need to be dispatched for meat, and do you hang them before cleaning them out?

Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: AndrewMBaines on September 15, 2012, 04:46:34 pm

I was told 12-14 weeks. Seemed about right. Two that I left to get older were really difficult to pluck as they get really dense feathers that are hard to remove - on one I just plucked the breasts which was a waste.

Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: digit on September 15, 2012, 08:45:19 pm

Did you hang them for a few days?

Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: AndrewMBaines on September 16, 2012, 10:21:08 am

No, but my wife's really twitchy about hanging any meat at home! :innocent:
They had good texture, and flavour even without being hung, so not sure if necessary.

Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: digit on September 16, 2012, 11:32:55 am

Thanks Andrew.