The Poultry Keeper

leebarton · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 365 Location: Elgin, NE Scotland

We have ended up with just one Appleyard duck from our batch of eggs. So we decided to get some other young ducks to keep each other company. Now we are the proud owners of 6 muscovy ducks as well. Very Happy

They are two weeks old and ducky is only 3 days old, but he is the boss in there at the moment, despite being considerably smaller. I have posted the children to keep an eye on them in case of any problems.

debcat · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:40 pm Post subject:

I love muscoveys

leebarton · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 365 Location: Elgin, NE Scotland

Now decided to put the muscoveys in their own space, with heat etc. as they seem to be picking on Ducky Sad

. We knew it was a possibility and I am still pleased to have the Muscoveys - I think they were a bargain at £1.00 each! Shocked

Another duck question - can they have turkey starter for the medication or should I use something else?

debcat · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 5:15 pm Post subject:

mine get layers mash,
they are not meant to have medicated chick crumbs as the dose is too high for ducks.
As far as I know chick crumbs and turkey starter are very similar.
I know it's possible to get duck starter from some places

leebarton · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 365 Location: Elgin, NE Scotland

Should they be medicated?

debcat · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 5:40 pm Post subject:

not for ducks Very Happy

(you can get unmedicated chick crumbs as well)

debcat · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 7:54 pm Post subject:

maybe you could try the appleyard in with just one of the muscoveys

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 10:26 pm Post subject:

Once the appleyard is a bit bigger it should be fine with them all. Are they similar sizes when fully grown? I could only get the medicated starter here so I mixed it with layers mash to 'dilute' it. All 14 survived. Take pics now - you won't believe how fast they grow if you haven't had ducks before.

henpecked · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 4:51 pm Post subject: Fab ducks

Just thought I'd share a wee story with you..

When I lived in Kirriemuir, I had Muscovy ducks.. I remember hatching them out under a hen that thought it was having chickens.. I was bad in them days.

Anyway they hatched out and the mother hen had numerous problems nursing her little ducklings, they were forever wanting to go swimming, which is difficult for a hen as you'd understand.. Anyway they grew up fine and healthy. I got three females and two males that used to fight and jump over each other on a regular basis.. Fantastic ducks them males. Just the way their head feathers went up and down and the amazing redness off their faces.. Oh and the smell, don't you just think that Muscovy ducks have the most unique smell to them..

Anyway your making me jealous lucky you . Enjoy them they are fantastic!! One tip though, they hate the water, well mine did. They were always the last ones in for a dip.. they were like submarines they kind of sank as they swam around. .

Yes they do grow VERY quick. Dig up a patch of old ground for them, they love the fresh earth and the worms.

Regards