Muscovy Ducks

 

• Muscovies, the cute ducks of nature! These wood ducks, are best at free-ranging and love to roost on wood branches or up in trees if given the chance. They aren't the best flyers (especially not long distances), but can still fly up to roost higher than most ducks. They come in a wide range of colours and patterns and make for a most stunning backyard addition.

 

• Muscovies grow relatively quickly and therefore need a slightly higher protein level than most chickens. A classic duck/goose starter and grower will more than suffice. But you can always add extra protein, either through scrambled eggs, or a small handful of cat food from time to time. Muscovy Males can weigh anywhere from 13-16 pounds, and females reach 6-8 pounds (Yes, only half of what the males weigh).

 

• Muscovies are decent layers from Spring to Fall, and they love to hatch a clutch for themselves!! They often have clutches of 8-16 eggs, with the odd hens thinking they can handle more! Muscovies are different from all other breeds of ducks, in the fact that they take 35 days to incubate their eggs compared to the standard 28 days for most other duck eggs.

 

• Monkman's Poultry currently has muscovies in the following colours:

Males: Black Pied, Solid Black, Solid Chocolate, Barred Chocolate.

Females: Chocolate pied, Chocolate Barred, Solid chocolate, blue pied, black pied and solid black.