The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: piggy on August 18, 2010, 08:22:38 pm

Title: Muscovy ducks
Post by: piggy on August 18, 2010, 08:22:38 pm
Been to a poultry auction today and came back with far more than i should,bought what i think are muscovy ducks after googling but will post pics tomorrow as too dark now,
Only had Aylesburys before so would like to know more about the muscovys,how do you all keep them free range or penned and will they fly off.

Thanks
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: Callia on August 18, 2010, 08:47:09 pm
Lucky you, muscovies are just the best ducks  :love:
They can fly VERY well and you will need to make sure that you clip a wing on each before you let them out. Once they have settled they would be unlikely to fly away, mine just try to get into the house if anything. My muzzies are free to roam a few paddocks here and are very happy like that. They do become very tame and have the most adorable characters, dancing and hissing around each other. I have found they are always in charge of other ducks breeds and chickens but are never mean, they just like to make sure they eat first  ;D  They don't need a pond but do like a daily wash in a paddling pool or something similar and are the best fly and bug catchers around. When handling them make sure you always have the feet under control as they have VERY sharp claws which can do a lot of damage. They are brilliant broodies and fantastic mothers.
I warn you it won't be long before you will want more, they are absolutely fabulous.
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: piggy on August 18, 2010, 09:16:37 pm
Yes i found they have very sharp feet when getting them from the cages,my arms and hands have lots of cuts but at £2 each i thought i had a bargin?
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: sheardale on August 19, 2010, 01:46:55 pm
I have 1 male muscovy duck.  He goes around with my geese.  I am looking for 2 females th keep him company.  He is a great wee man and funny with it.
Cheers Helen
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: Birdie Wife on August 19, 2010, 05:05:09 pm
Another Muscovy fan here! I had runner ducks before, but sold them on because they freaked out at everything and I was afraid they would get themselves run over. I got a trio of Muscovies last winter and one now has a brood of ducklings. They are just fab!
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: sheardale on August 20, 2010, 10:54:22 pm
Where are you about birdie,  I would have bought 2 female ducks from you, if you werent too far away.  I am in Dollar, its near Stirling.
Cheers Helen
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: daddymatty82 on August 20, 2010, 11:04:05 pm
at £2 thats a great dinner for ya
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: Birdie Wife on September 15, 2010, 12:53:58 pm
Where are you about birdie,  I would have bought 2 female ducks from you, if you werent too far away.  I am in Dollar, its near Stirling.
Cheers Helen

Hi Helen

Sorry for not replying sooner - I'm quite a distance from you, up near Thurso. I'm sure you'll be able to find muscovies nearer than me! Best of luck in your searching.

Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 16, 2010, 06:18:40 pm
Hi Helen,

Maybe James can put you in touch with Sue (the cat lady) who had his ducks when he moved house last year? Sure she would be happy to give or sell you some girls. She told me she sees James and his wife regularly and she really has loads of them -  and Muscovies multiply as if by magic  ;D Do you know James' username on here?? :&>
Title: Re: Muscovy ducks
Post by: egglady on September 16, 2010, 09:39:21 pm
a friend of mine has muscovies which could probably be for sale in a few weeks.  we are in Fife