Ducks

Our ducks are Muscovy's.

Muscovy’s are generally considered a “meat bird” due to their size, compared to most other breeds. This is probably due to them being a 'goose derivitive', as a pposed to the traditional 'mallard derivitive'.

Muscovy's are actually fair layers, though seasonal. Now duck eggs are not palatable to many. Not really sure why. They are larger than chicken eggs, but the yolk and white is also different. Both have a thicker consistency, and the yolks are stronger tasting. So maybe frying or poaching would not be to everyone’s taste. They are however really good for quiches and other baking. Firstly due to the size difference, one duck egg can replace 2 chicken eggs. But the raising properties of duck eggs is also far greater than that of chicken eggs.  So we love to collect our duck eggs (when they are laying) to eat

Flocks introduction to ducks

Our flock has been graced with ducks since December 2011, when we were given 7 Muscovy ducklings, by a colleague. The hope was we had males, as, as a larger breed these are considered “meat birds” and were in fact destined for the table… that didn’t happen and we have had resident ducks ever since.

Despite our initial intention not to keep ducks, one lead to more. I guess taking on the ducks seemed straight forward enough after having chickens for so long. We had most of what they needed. They actually prefer to be outside, but I still like to provide shelter. Especially when the females are laying/nesting.

Many warned us that ducks are "dirty" and this is something that you would have to consider in your own circumstances and set up. Personally any poultry mess on the patio/ living areas would be a deal breaker. But as our poultry have their own pen and grazing garden area, this is not a problem.

Our bird pen containing various housings, nesting boxes and perches, food and various sources of water, including a paddling pool for them to duck and dive in- though this does need the water changing regularly!

Daffy & DOnald find a new home

We have had another duck breed here; Indian Runner ducks. Now these are a traditional 'mallard derivitive', although they only stayed with us for a short time. However we felt re-homing was the best option for “Daffy and Donald”...and their male pride. Fortunately a friend of ours took them in, where they had their own flock of gorgeous Indian runner girls.

Patta-duck

As whilst our resident Muscovy drake "Patta-duck" is more of a lover than a fighter, he was paying the other boys a little too much unwanted attention. Another issue we considered if we were to keep the Indian runner boys was that they would compete with our drake for the females. And any offspring this may produce would be 'mules'. Due to the genetic of the Muscovy being more related to the geese, as I mentioned earlier. So

Ducks are more seasonal layers. And will sit once a clutch of 8-20 has been laid. They are also happy to add eggs to another females nest... And they nest where ever they feel safe, which generally isn’t the most convenient place for you.

We have had success both through natural nesting and incubation. As I explained Muscovy’s are not a mallard derivative. This is evident in their incubation too.

Most ducks take 28 days, Muscovy’s (like geese) take 35 days.