Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are a large domesticated duck species that originate from Mexico, Central America and South America. They are popular as backyard ducks due to their relatively quiet nature compared to other duck breeds. However, one question that often comes up with Muscovy duck owners is whether the females will abandon their eggs before they hatch. In the wild, most duck species do not incubate their own eggs, leaving them to be cared for by the nest environment instead. So do domesticated Muscovy ducks retain this instinct to leave their eggs?
Do female Muscovy ducks incubate their own eggs?
Unlike most wild ducks, female Muscovy ducks have a strong natural brooding instinct and will diligently incubate their own eggs. Research shows that Muscovy hens only leave the nest for short periods during the day to feed and drink, before returning promptly to continue incubating.
The mothers are very protective of their nests and will often pluck their own breast feathers to create a warm, insulating down lining in the nest bowl. Once the ducklings hatch, the females remain attentive mothers, sheltering and protecting the young ducks.
So in summary, female Muscovy ducks do not abandon their eggs – they patiently incubate them and after hatching, attentively raise their young. This strong maternal behavior is likely a result of domestication.
How long does a Muscovy duck incubate her eggs?
A Muscovy duck’s incubation period lasts for 35 days. During this time, the mother duck dedicates herself fully to warming the eggs and turning them periodically to ensure even heat distribution.
She will leave the nest for only brief periods each day to feed, drink water and defecate. At night, she settles carefully over the eggs to keep them covered with her body. The eggs must be constantly maintained at a temperature between 99°F – 102°F for healthy embryonic development.
If the eggs become too cool, embryonic growth will slow or cease. So the female’s diligent incubation is vital for duckling survival.
Towards the end of the 35 day period, the hatching process will begin as the ducklings start to pip out of their eggs. The mother duck continues to incubate and turn the eggs to help the ducklings emerge.
Do Muscovy ducks share incubation duties?
In the wild, most duck species do not have much paternal involvement with nesting or rearing ducklings. However, male Muscovy ducks often assist the female with incubating and protecting the eggs.
The involvement of the male duck begins once the female has laid a clutch of 8-20 eggs in the nesting site she has chosen. At this point, the male will stand guard nearby and help chase away potential predators or threats to the nest site.
As incubation proceeds, the male will begin taking over some incubation duties, allowing the female to take occasional breaks to feed and preen herself. The female still does the majority of sitting, but the male’s assistance enables her to maintain her own health and fitness while incubating.
Once the eggs start pipping, the male remains on guard but leaves the hatching process fully to the female. After hatching, he may also help protect and supervise ducklings alongside the mother. So male Muscovy ducks do play a supporting role in caring for eggs and young compared to other ducks.
Do Muscovy ducks use the same nest for multiple broods?
Muscovy ducks favor natural tree cavities and sheltered spots near water as nesting sites. In the wild they may reuse good nesting sites, refurbishing the accumulated nest material from previous broods to create a new nest bowl.
In a backyard setting, a female Muscovy will also appreciate having a fixed nesting box or barrel to use for multiple broods. After hatching a clutch, she will take a break from egg laying for around 7-10 days to molt old feathers.
Then she will lay another clutch and return to the familiar nest box, gathering bedding material and feathers to create a new nest. The ducklings from the previous clutch will remain nearby under her care and supervision.
So Muscovy ducks can reuse favored nesting shelters multiple times. Providing a purpose-built nest box with fresh bedding each time gives them a secure, predator-proof site they are inclined to return to.
How long after hatching until Muscovy ducklings can swim?
Muscovy ducklings are covered in soft down when they hatch and do not yet have waterproof feathers. This means they are unable to enter water safely until their juvenile feathers grow in.
For the first 10-14 days after hatching, the ducklings stay on dry land close to their mother. By 2 weeks old, their adolescent feathers will have started replacing the down, allowing them to follow their mother into the water to learn to swim and find food.
It takes around 7 weeks for the ducklings’ full adult plumage to complete growing in. Once fully feathered at 2 months old, they are adept swimmers and able to repel water from their feathers to stay warm and dry.
So although Muscovy ducks adore water, the ducklings must wait until they develop feathers before they can take their first swim under the watchful eye of their mother.
Do Muscovy ducks need a pond to swim in?
Although they originate from wetland regions, Muscovy ducks do not require a large pond to thrive. As backyard ducks, they are happy with access to a small wading pool, shallow stream or any fresh water source to splash in.
Ideal water access for Muscovy ducks includes:
- Kiddie pool or galvanized tub filled with fresh water daily
- Backyard pond at least 1 foot deep with a ramp for easy access
- Nearby stream, creek or drainage ditch the ducks can swim in
- Rainwater that collects in depressions or ditches for them to puddle in
Providing a small pool or waterway allows the ducks to immerse themselves to clean and waterproof their feathers. The males especially enjoy bathing and require water access to stay healthy.
So while a large pond is not essential, some daily access to water for bathing and swimming satisfies a Muscovy duck’s water needs. Provide shallow sites to avoid any risk of drowning.
Do Muscovy ducks abandon ducklings?
Muscovy ducks have a strong maternal instinct and do not abandon their ducklings under normal circumstances. The female remains protectively close to the ducklings as they grow, sheltering them at night and leading them to food and water daily.
A Muscovy hen will only leave her ducklings if:
- She suffers severe injury or illness that incapacitates her
- The ducklings wander away and become separated from her
- A predator attacks and she is unable to defend the ducklings
These situations are not a deliberate abandonment but forced separation. As long as she is healthy and able, a Muscovy mother will diligently care for her young for 8-10 weeks until they fledge.
Muscovy ducks may also lay eggs in two different nest sites with a couple of weeks between clutches. In this case, the female continues caring for the older ducklings of the first clutch, while incubating the new eggs and eventually adding the new hatchlings to her brood. She does not intentionally desert either group.
So in summary, Muscovy hens do not willingly abandon their offspring under normal rearing conditions. Their devotion to their ducklings usually only ends due to misadventure, severe illness or death.
At what age can Muscovy ducks fly?
Muscovy ducks are able to fly short distances from a very young age while they are still covered in downy feathers. At just 1-2 days old, the ducklings can flutter up to a height of 4-5 feet.
Their flying skills improve rapidly as their wing feathers grow in. By 2 weeks old the ducklings are flying up to tree branches around 10 feet high to roost at night.
From 4 weeks onwards, juvenile Muscovies develop strong flight capabilities and begin making short flights of 50 feet or more. As they near adult size at around 12-14 weeks old, they can fly substantial distances of a hundred yards or more.
However, most mature Muscovy ducks that live on backyard farms or around human dwellings do not frequently take long flights. They may fly up to a roof or tree regularly but are unlikely to migrate far since their needs for food and water are met nearby.
So while Muscovies have excellent aerial skills, they tend to restrict flights to short trips within their home territory once domesticated. But they retain the ability to fly several hundred yards if needed.
How do you take care of a baby Muscovy duck?
Caring for Muscovy ducklings requires providing:
Warmth
For the first 4 weeks, ducklings need temperatures between 85-90°F with accessible heat lamps. Provide a dry shelter or box with bedding where they can huddle under the lamp.
Food
Supply starter feed formulated for ducklings which contains 20% protein. Provide feed designed specifically for waterfowl rather than chick starter mix. Also offer finely chopped greens, soft fruits and insects.
Water
Shallow, clean water for drinking is essential from day 1. Once the ducklings develop feathers at 2 weeks old, they can splash in shallow water. Avoid allowing small ducklings to swim unsupervised.
Protection
Keep the Muscovy ducklings safe from predators like dogs, cats or wildlife in a secure brooder area. Don’t allow tiny ducklings outside unsupervised where they can die from exposure or get attacked.
With warmth, nutrition, water access and protection, Muscovy ducklings grow up strong and healthy under attentive human care. Check on orphaned ducklings frequently and contact a veterinarian if issues emerge.
Do Muscovy ducks make good pets?
Muscovy ducks can make enjoyable backyard pets when their needs are met, with some advantages over other poultry:
- They are quieter than most duck breeds, with less noisy quacking.
- The large ducks are entertaining to watch, especially when bathing.
- Muscovy hens go broody frequently and enjoy raising ducklings.
- Their meat is lean with less fat than other ducks.
- They help control flies and pests around farms due to their appetite for insects.
Some challenges of keeping Muscovies:
- The males can become aggressive in spring during mating season.
- Their strong claws require solid housing that can’t be scratched up.
- Both ducks and droppings are messy and can foul ponds used for swimming.
- They fly well and are prone to wandering far afield if not penned or trimmed.
Overall Muscovy ducks can thrive in backyard settings if provided with sufficient space, water and secure night housing. Their quirky personality and mothering instincts make them intriguing to keep.
Do Muscovy ducks get along with chickens?
Muscovy ducks generally co-exist well with chickens when raised together. Benefits of housing Muscovies and chickens together include:
- They do not compete for food as ducks prefer wet food, chickens dry.
- Chickens help protect ducklings from aerial predators.
- Their feeding habits are complementary (ducks eat slugs, chickens eat worms).
- Chickens can act as foster mothers to ducklings.
Issues to be aware of:
- Ducklings may get trampled by chickens due to size differences.
- Chickens can become irritated by ducks using their feed and water.
- Ducks require access to swimming water that chickens avoid.
- Larger Muscovy drakes may attack or mount chickens.
With supervision, space and separate water sources, Muscovy ducks and chickens can cohabit amiably. But be prepared to separate bullied individuals if needed.
Conclusion
In summary, female Muscovy ducks are devoted mothers who diligently incubate their eggs then attend closely to duckling rearing. The ducklings remain under the hen’s care until they are several weeks old and able to fly competently.
Although they have great flying skills, adult Muscovies that are provided for rarely wander far from their home territory. With adequate food, water and housing these large waterfowl can make engaging backyard pets. They also get along well with chickens when their needs are catered to.
Muscovy ducks thrive when their natural behaviors and instincts are provided for. With appropriate care and precautions, these personable ducks with entertaining antics can flourish around humans. Their mothering abilities, pest control benefits and minimal noise make them a joy to keep.