Muscovys won't swim

[Jibi]

Hello

I've just got my first Muscovys, three of them. I bought them from a place that didn't feed them, never mind provide any water for them for them to swim. I've sunk a baby bath in to the ground, easily enough for even my big drake to have a splash around, but they never do more than dip their beaks in to drink or wash. Is it just too small, or could it be that they don't know that they can swim?!

It's certainly fun keeping these ducks. My kids can entertain themselves for hours chasing them around the garden!

Thanks,
Jibi

 

[Chuck]

They should dip their toes in eventually and they do love a bath and a swim too if there's enough water. They do like a bit of peace when bathing and they spend a long time preening afterwards. Are the children allowing them that time ?

 

[Marigold]

Hello



It's certainly fun keeping these ducks. My kids can entertain themselves for hours chasing them around the garden!

Thanks,
Jibi

It might be moe fun for the children than for the birds! If you want to get them tame, maybe not chase them? Try shaking a tin full of corn- just as much fun, and the ducks will come to you.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hiya

yes the chasing will be stressing them out

Muscovy don't swim as much as other ducks as they are perching tree ducks. They do appreciate a swim though, but they will need some peace and quiet.

And anything new will upset them, so the pond, the new surroundings and the chasing all together will be overwhelming for them.
zo
x

 

[IrlamSpud]

Hello
I've just got my first Muscovys, three of them. snipped. I've sunk a baby bath in to the ground, easily enough for even my big drake to have a splash around, but they never do more than dip their beaks in to drink or wash. Is it just too small, snipped.
Jibi

I used a shower tray base when I moved, albeit they didn't like the pond in the farmyard prior to my move if the drake was about, with him shedded the girls had no problem taking to the water.

 

[Stanley]

Sure they will know how to swim but our new ducks were very timid, we have a bit tub of water that that have eventually got in, and have a pond, but took them a week to even get out the stable and wander round, quite happy to do so now, but id give them time!