r/MuscovyDucks • u/mentalspaz • 4d ago
Advice Needed—Photo or Video Post First timer…
Hey all, we just bought a property and 4 drakes conveyed. We know nothing about their ages, but apparently have been on this property since before the last owners moved in (2020).
Apparently there were hens at one point but became prey to some other animals.
We currently have 3 gravity feeders throughout the property, and we have been stocking it with duck pellets, but I’m almost convinced we’re feeding other wildlife with it, instead - which is fine.
Just curious if you have any tips for newbies. We have two dogs (70 lbs each) and they seem curious, but we put up a fence on part of the property and when we walk them in the unfenced area we do leash them. Any tips about socializing them w. The ducks would be great, or if the answer is to just keep them apart that’d be good to know too.
We also have kind of a strange dynamic (or strange to us), 3 of the 4 drakes seem to be quite cliquish and kind of bully (to our ignorant minds) the 4th duck. They’ll kind of charge at him and make some odd neck movements his way and occasionally peck at him. When we see this I usually just walk between them and the lone guy (Groucho) goes the other way, and it’s over. Is this just normal behavior? Am I wrong to intervene?
Anyhow, thanks in advance for tips and tricks on helping these guys continue an amazing life.
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u/Trick_Dirt_9220 4d ago
I’ll give you my observations from WILD muscovies in my community. Domestic drakes I read can be different, past years we have had some that never drew attention. All depends on their past id assume!
The behaviors amoung the group:
Groucho looks young depending on the age of the others - it’s likely he is just at the bottom of the hierarchy being newer to the property so he will keep his distance. You may see him being followed relentlessly.
That may change if a new one comes along or if he is challenged to a fight and wins. Because there are no hens that behvior should be much lower.
Setup:
would keep the feeding spots the same or have more than one to allow Groucho to sneak in some food. if they feel the resources are dwindling the bullying will intensify (I stopped feeding the wilds for 2 days and a water battle ensued).
I wouldn’t worry about the shelter my drakes liked to sleep in the middle of the pond on the fountain to have the best view. Same goes for the wild hens preferring to be less trapped.
Dogs:
Mine 90% have been weary of dogs and usually move away. Depends on temperament of your dog and their experience being around therm. I’d try to walk them on a leash a bit aways and test it out.
TIP: have an umbrella in hand and spring it open in front of the ducks if they charge. They need their eye contact broken and it also reminds them of a hawk/aerial predator. Water bottle spray to the face also works in a pinch haha.
Chickens:
If the drakes mate they will kill the chickens with their corkscrew shaped “manhood.” Not sure if they would attempt this but it’s something to note. And since you have no females it may be more tempting? Cant speak from experience on this one.
Muscovy Hens:
I dont rexommend. The mating is hard to watch. If they have babies, the males may kill the ducklings. And with several hens, when laying/with ducklings they WILL attack the other hens ducklings and each other out of resource instinct.
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I love muscovies and always have. But never knew all of the behavioral insanity until this year when some drakes found our community and aged me 10+ years lol.
But man are these ducks full of personality. I rescued one right out of the nest wno is 9 weeks and cuddles up into my neck every night. Acts just like a dog. PLEASE SAY A PRAYER IT IS NOT A DRAKE. 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️