Duck In A Tree

[Pickle Rick]

hi, I'm relatively new to BYC and I have 1 question about a duck that started laying her eggs in a staghorn fern in a tree about 5 meters up. this did happen about a year ago, and the ducks are starting to lay again so I would like to know what to do if she lays in a tree again. last time I had to move her and she nearly abandoned the eggs. if it helps she Is a Muscovy

 

[Miss Lydia]

Goodness, that's a first for me. They are tree ducks though so I can see it happening. Do they have a coop to sleep in? if so make sure they have plenty of space and bedding they like that or mine do anyway. I even made small bedrooms inside for them so they can have privacy. My Muscovy's really do like their privacy and prefer to lay and brood in it. And since most lay before day light if you are keeping them in at night there is a good possibility they will lay inside if it's what they like. If they free range 24/7 I have no idea how you'll keep them out of a tree if it suits them for a nest sight.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just ideas if you have the space inside.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I've read about domestic muscovies laying nests on roof tops and hatching their ducklings. Their wild counterparts often nest in trees. If they are safe, maybe there is not so much to worry about.
Or build nests areas such as Miss Lydia shows above.
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/muscovy-duck

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Watch this duckling climb a tree

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

These aren't muscovy, but incredible ducks all the same.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Wood ducklings hatching in a tree. I could keep posting, but you get the idea.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Main reason I clip both wings on mine some of my females were climbing out of the 4’ wood fence and for some reason once I clipped both wings they must not think they can climb that is so cool never saw a scovy climb a tree before. In AU snakes would be my biggest worry.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

One of my girls has currently figured out how to jump up onto the back of a patio chair. She has one wing clipped. I haven't seen her jump up there yet as I'm always busy when she does it. Plus, if I try to observe them they go do other things. Like they don't want me to see their tricks.
For some reason, they all love to congregate on the back patio and climb the steps to look into our sliding door.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Aren't they funny. lol Oh yes the looking in the window routine Love it.