Muscovy Duck for sale in the Netherlands

Muscovy ducks: behaviour and suitability

Muscovies hiss more than they quack, forage extensively and like raised resting places. Heavy drakes may injure females or other ducks when group ratio is unsuitable. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Provide bathing water, walking and grass room, a dry clean sleeping place and safe broad resting shelves. Account for flight ability and do not use routine wing pinioning as a solution for inadequate housing. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Inspect claws, foot pads, eyes, nostrils and body condition and ask about sex and flock ratio. Do not buy a single duck and plan for broodiness and offspring before nesting occurs. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.