Muscovy ducks, also known as Cairina moschata, are a tropical species of duck that originate from Central and South America. They are popular as pets and backyard ducks due to their relatively quiet nature compared to other duck species. Muscovies are also raised for meat and eggs. Knowing when Muscovies breed can help duck owners and farmers plan for egg and duckling production.
Breeding Season
Muscovy ducks are seasonal breeders that generally mate and lay eggs from late winter through mid-summer. The exact breeding season can vary slightly based on region and climate factors, but typically occurs anytime between December and June. Here is an overview of when Muscovies are most likely to breed in the Northern and Southern hemispheres:
- Northern Hemisphere: January through July, with most activity March-June
- Southern Hemisphere: July through January, with peak activity September-December
Muscovy ducks originate from tropical areas that don’t have the large shifts in daylight hours that trigger breeding seasons in temperate regions. Day length does not impact their breeding as much as temperature and food availability. When nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13C), males (“drakes”) come into breeding condition and females (“hens”) start to lay eggs.
The Breeding Process
Here is an overview of the Muscovy duck breeding process:
1. Courtship
Starting in late winter/early spring, male Muscovies begin courting and competing for females. Courtship displays involve head bobbing, puffing feathers, and hissing. The drakes will chase hens, nibble their feathers, and eventually mount and mate with receptive females multiple times. Females that are not interested will run away, bite, or lay flat on the ground.
2. Nesting
After mating, the hens search for nesting sites. Muscovies do not build elaborate nests, and are just as likely to nest on the ground as in trees, stumps, bushes, or boxes. The hens pluck down feathers to line the nest area. Clutch size is 8-16 eggs for mature hens. Younger, first-time hens may lay only 3-5 eggs.
3. Incubation
Muscovy hens incubate their eggs for 35 days before they hatch. The hen will leave the nest for brief periods during the day to feed and drink water, covering the eggs to protect them. During incubation, the eggs must be kept between 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit for proper embryonic development. The hen rotates the eggs often using her bill and feet.
4. Duckling Care
Muscovy ducklings are able to walk and feed themselves soon after hatching. The hen leads them to water and watches over them until they fledge at 10-12 weeks old. Ducklings grow very rapidly and are hardy enough to tolerate cold temperatures.
Factors That Influence Breeding
Several factors influence the breeding productivity of Muscovy ducks each season:
Temperature
As mentioned earlier, temperature plays a key role is initiating breeding condition for Muscovies. Daytime highs in the 60s-70s F and nighttime lows above 55 F provide ideal conditions for maximum egg production. Colder temperatures suppress breeding instincts and egg production.
Age
Younger Muscovy hens under one year old may not breed at all, and hens under two years old produce fewer eggs. Peak egg production occurs between 2-5 years of age. Older hens enter a decline. Drakes become fertile around 6 months old.
Day Length
While not as critical as for some waterfowl species, increasing day length in spring still stimulates breeding readiness in Muscovies. However, artificial lighting is not necessary to induce egg laying like it is for chickens.
Diet
A nutritious diet with ample protein ensures hens are in top physical health for breeding. Corn, wheat, oats, and commercial waterfowl feed provide good nutrition. Access to insects, larvae, greens, seeds, and fruit helps provide the calcium, protein, and vitamins needed for egg production.
Clean Water
Fresh, clean water is extremely important for breeding. Ducks use water to maintain the health and function of their reproductive organs. Stagnant water sources can reduce fertility. Providing pool access allows ducks to immerse themselves to clean and lubricate their mating organs.
Predators
The presence of predators like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, snakes, hawks, and owls can interfere with breeding. Ducks will become skittish and stressed, suppressing mating behaviors. Protecting ducks from predators is key.
Group Size
Having at least 2-3 hens per drake allows the hens enough reprieve between matings to sustain fertility. Too few hens can result in overmating and reduced egg fertility. Small flocks with only one or two ducks may not breed at all.
Signs Your Muscovies are Breeding
Watch for these clues that your Muscovies have come into breeding condition:
- Increased male courtship activity
- Males vigorously shaking tails and fluffing feathers
- Frequent matings
- Drakes fighting for hens
- Hens nest searching and egg laying
- Hens sitting tightly on nests
- Nest defense and territorial behavior
- Ducklings following hens
Caring for Breeding Ducks
Here are some tips for caring for breeding Muscovy ducks:
- Provide a nutritious layer feed to hens before and during breeding
- Offer oyster shell for calcium needs
- Provide clean, unfrozen water at all times
- Allow access to swimming water if possible for mating
- Ensure adequate space and nest boxes for all hens
- Collect eggs frequently to avoid hens going broody too soon
- Keep nesting areas clean and dry to avoid moldy eggs
- Supplement duckling diet with high protein starter feed
- Have brooders ready for ducklings if temps are cool
- Keep predators away from ducks and nests
Increasing Breeding Productivity
Here are some tips to maximize the number of eggs and ducklings from your Muscovies each season:
Select an Ideal Season
Time breeding for when your climate is warmest – late spring through summer.
Provide Artificial Lighting
Supplement natural daylight with artificial lighting to extend the productive breeding period. Provide 14-16 hours of combined lighting.
Manage Duck Density
Do not overcrowd ducks, but ensure enough hens per drake for fertility. 10 hens per drake is ideal.
Remove Non-Breeders
Remove and separate any unproductive ducks from the breeding flock so they do not take up space.
Enforce Rest Periods
Put drakes in a separate pen 1-2 days per week so hens can rest from matings.
Optimize Nutrition
Feed a balanced breeder diet with 16-18% protein, calcium supplementation, and digestive enzymes.
Provide Clean Water
Change drinking water at least once daily and offer pool access for mating needs.
Collect Eggs Frequently
Gather eggs from nests at least twice daily to prevent hens from going broody too soon.
Incubate Eggs Artificially
Incubating part of the clutch allows the hen to continue laying without interruption.
Conclusion
In summary, Muscovy ducks are most likely to breed starting in late winter through summer when temperatures are warm. Peak egg production usually occurs during springtime. The breeding process is driven by temperature, food availability, and the ducks’ stage of physical maturity. There are several steps breeders can take to maximize productivity during the breeding season. Following the ducks’ natural reproductive behaviors and providing for their needs will result in a successful hatch of healthy ducklings.