Muscovy ducks can make great pets for the right owners. These large ducks originally come from Mexico, Central America, and South America. They have also been introduced in parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Muscovy ducks are popular as pets because of their unique appearances and personalities. Unlike most domestic duck breeds, Muscovy ducks do not quack. The males make loud hissing noises while the females make quiet trilling noises.
Typical Muscovy Duck Lifespan
On average, Muscovy ducks live between 8 to 12 years when kept as pets or backyard ducks. With proper care and a safe environment, it’s not uncommon for Muscovies to live 10+ years.
Here are some factors that affect a Muscovy duck’s lifespan:
- Housing conditions – Ducks kept in clean, predator-proof enclosures tend to live longer.
- Diet – A nutritious diet supports a duck’s health and longevity.
- Health issues – Ducks with chronic health conditions may have a shorter lifespan.
- Predators – Duck owners should protect Muscovies from dogs, coyotes, foxes, and other predators.
- Climate – Muscovies do well in warm, tropical climates with access to swimming water.
With proper care, most pet Muscovy ducks live between 5 to 15 years. The oldest reported Muscovy duck lived to be 20 years old!
Factors That Impact Muscovy Lifespan
Let’s look at some of the main factors that affect how long pet Muscovy ducks live.
Housing and Environment
Muscovy ducks require secure housing that protects them from harsh weather, predators, and diseases. An enclosed duck house or coop should be provided with soft bedding such as straw or wood shavings.
Inside the duck coop, provide nest boxes for breeding ducks lined with hay. Access to an outdoor pond or wading pool is ideal so the ducks can swim, preen, and rinse their feathers.
Without a safe housing environment, Muscovy ducks can fall victim to hypothermia, heat stress, predation, parasites, and infections. All of these hazards can cut a duck’s life short.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition from a quality duck feed helps Muscovy ducks stay healthy and live longer. Choose a feed formulated specifically for ducks that contains 16-20% protein.
Supplement with fresh greens, sprouted seeds, vegetable scraps, and insects. Provide grit to help ducks digest their food. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Overfeeding ducks can lead to obesity and early death. Malnutrition also causes health problems and reduces the Muscovy lifespan.
Health Issues
Muscovy ducks are fairly hardy birds, but they are prone to certain health conditions. Providing vaccinations and medications as needed can prevent or treat illness.
Common Muscovy health problems include:
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Respiratory illness
- Diarrhea
- Botulism
Sick or injured ducks should receive care right away. Cull any ducks that are severely ill or stop thriving. This prevents diseases from spreading through the flock.
Predators
Even fully grown Muscovy ducks can fall prey to dogs, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, snakes, and birds of prey. Protect ducks from predators with secure housing, safe outdoor areas, and supervision.
A duck that loses its life to a predator will have a much shorter lifespan. Predator attacks are a leading cause of early death for backyard ducks.
Climate
Since they originated in the tropics, Muscovy ducks thrive in warm climates. Provide extra shelter in cold climates so they can stay warm in winter.
Heat waves can also be dangerous for Muscovies. Ensure they have shade and plenty of fresh water in summer. Ideal temperatures for these ducks range from 75°F to 85°F.
Muscovies may not do as well in environments with extreme heat, humidity, or cold. Lifespans are often shorter when they cannot adapt to the climate.
Caring for Muscovies for Longevity
Muscovy owners who want their ducks to have long, healthy lives need to focus on proper care. Here are some tips:
- Give vaccinations for duck viruses
- Deworm and treat for external parasites
- Feed a nutritious diet with variety
- Ensure constant access to clean drinking water
- Manage humidity levels in the duck house
- Keep bedding clean and dry
- Let ducks swim at least weekly
- Trim toenails if they get too long
- Separate sick or injured ducks until recovered
- Collect eggs frequently to keep nests clean
- Keep ducks safe from predators
With attentive care and a safe environment, Muscovy ducks can thrive and live for 10 years or more.
Signs of Aging in Muscovies
Muscovy ducks show signs of aging gradually after reaching adulthood at 5-6 months old. Here are some clues your Muscovy duck is getting old:
- Reduced energy levels
- Cloudy or damaged eyes
- Dull, fraying feathers
- Brittle beak and overgrown nails
- Limping or trouble walking
- Decline in egg production
- Saggy skin under the bill
Make your elder Muscovy ducks comfortable by providing soft bedding, keeping food and water close by, and separating them from aggressive flockmates if needed.
Improving Muscovy Longevity with Breeding
Selective breeding can produce Muscovy ducks that live longer lives. Breed from ducks that survive and thrive past 10 years old.
Avoid breeding ducks with genetic defects or chronic health conditions. With each generation, the flock should become hardier with better resistance to disease.
Quality breeding is key for waterfowl longevity. Muscovies with good genetics tend to be healthier and live longer as backyard ducks.
Muscovy Lifespan FAQs
What is the average lifespan of a pet Muscovy duck?
The typical lifespan of a pet Muscovy duck is 8 to 12 years when properly cared for. With optimum housing and nutrition, Muscovies can live 10 years or longer.
Do female or male Muscovy ducks live longer?
There is little difference between average female and male Muscovy lifespans. Both genders tend to live 8-12 years when kept as pets or backyard ducks.
What health problems do Muscovies get as they age?
Elderly Muscovy ducks may develop cataracts, arthritis, overgrown beaks and nails, injuries, tumors, reproductive disorders, and other age-related conditions.
What can I do to extend my Muscovy duck’s life?
Follow these tips to help your pet Muscovy duck live a long life:
- Feed a nutritious diet with variety
- Maintain clean, secure housing
- Prevent and treat health issues promptly
- Keep ducks safe from predators
- Provide swimming water
- Selectively breed from long-lived ducks
How long can Muscovy ducks live in captivity?
Muscovy ducks can live over 15 years in captivity with exceptional care and husbandry. The oldest reported captive Muscovy reached 20 years of age.
What age do Muscovy ducks stop laying eggs?
Muscovy ducks may lay eggs until 10-12 years old. Egg production declines as the ducks age. Older Muscovy hens will have smaller, less frequent clutches.
Conclusion
For duck owners who want an intelligent, personable pet, Muscovy ducks are a great choice. Their average lifespan of 8 to 12 years means this duck breed can be part of your family for years to come.
Muscovies require more care than wild ducks to reach their full lifespan potential. Provide proper housing, nutrition, health management, and protection from hazards and predators.
With attentive care in a safe environment, it’s possible for pet Muscovy ducks to live 15 years or more. These unique waterfowl can bring years of enjoyment when their needs are met.