best duck??

[shane]

hi all,
just a quick question.
We keep chickens, ducks and will be getting guinea hens for eggs, but are thinking about breeding ducks for meat ( the noise of the cockrel put us off chickens ). Ive heard muscovys are the best breed for meat, any tips or input greatly appreciated!!!??
thanks
Shane

[maggie144]

Yes you are correct Muscvovies are the best duck for meat, i have 10 adults and some ducklings too. which will be fattened up for eating

Also if you get a pair, they will be prolific breeders they mate 3 times a year, and have anything upto 21 per clutch, although they sit for longer

they pretty much look after theirselves, obviously relying on humans for their food. althought if they are kept in a barn or shed at night they will eat meat they eat Mice, insects, and will take anything up to a small Rabbit. but they will only eat it as live prey,

I have sold several of my ducks on to smallholders and people with allotments for the sole purpose of keeping the mice/slugs/snails down

good luck

maggie

[shane]

Thanks Maggie,
What are they like as layers, I cant seem to find any info on that?

[maggie144]

they will lay up to 21 eggs per female three times a year although i have never had them all hatch the most i have had hatch is about 12

They are good layers and well worth getting hold of some i started with one male and two females and worked up from there

if you have any other questions i will be happy to answer them

maggie

[Shirley]

We've got aylesbury and they eat well... and lay well too.