Hiya, I asked my friend who is a bit of an expert on Muskys and her response was this:
" The Muscovy duck has a separate scientific classification from all other ducks and they are considered tropical birds. They are stressed during snow and cold weather and need a heat source. Winter in a cold place is very hard on them unless they have special arrangements. If they are cold, they will not preen.
But there are other reasons for untidiness. They don't get sick often, but I would gather up a couple of them and take them to the vet as a precaution. Ask for blood work, a feces check, and an examination for feather mites.
They are very emotional and can get depressed over the loss of a flock member or the move to a new home.
Overcrowding could be the reason. The Muscovy's respond to not enough space by looking bad while other ducks seem to adapt.
I encourage Muscovy owners to build perches in their pens so the ducks can roost at night. (I use 2X6's.) They are related to wood ducks and have a real urge to roost. Most muskys display incredible joy when given this opportunity. What's the first thing a comfortable happy
duck does? Preen.
One more thought about the perches. About five feet from the pool I have a 2X6 board stretched across 3 cinder blocks (cement blocks that are about 10 inches high.) This particular "perch" is a favorite spot for preening. The Muscovy ducks get in the pool then head straight for this perch to sit and preen while they dry. The other ducks ignore this perch."
I hope this is informative.
zo
x
