Keeping a watchful and documented eye on a newly born Muscovy clutch

[ruthhope]

The day unfortunately started with seeing mama run up toward me without any ducklings and looking frazzled. My heart sort of sank. I don't want to sound insane but it kind of felt like she saw me and wanted me to follow. So I did.

Amazing -- you have certainly got a friend with Mama muscovy recognizing your ability to help

 

[Muscovy Duck Chronicles]

Yes, we are like to get the spin off winds and rain from the storm blowing up fast in the Gulf. And I had arranged to let your first two ducks free tomorrow on a private pond. Your original two can fly now and are in danger staying inside the screened porch if they fly into the screens.View attachment 3950493View attachment 3950495

My own ducks come into the house and into my bathroom if we are near the eye of a storm. If we are under mandatory evacuation, I will take them in pet carriers to my son's house that is not in a mandatory evacuation zone. But the ducks have to stay in the pet carriers there as my son's own ducks are in his bath. That has not happened yet.

As for wild ducks and ducklings, they hunker down in vegetation. I worry that there is not much natural shrubbery around your ducks. There is really nothing you can do to help, just know that muscovy are resilient.

Yea there isn't a whole lot in terms of viable places to get a break from the wind and rain. The timing of this storm sucks lol. Had the ducklings been 3-4 weeks old then I wouldn't really be concerned because they'd be able to regulate their temp and be heavier.

I feel bad for those two being so close to release. Are you going to proceed with the release? I'd imagine they'd be alright since they can fly and are independent for the most part.

Amazing -- you have certainly got a friend with Mama muscovy recognizing your ability to help

I know there is a good chance it was mostly her trying to force them to move and then saw a giant so she ran back to her clutch but the spooky part is her ducklings were huddled above the crest in a ball of fluff while she walked 10 yards or so and ran a few more once she saw me. She stopped and looked all around as if a predator was near and made coo sounds. Then stopped and looked at me then started walking toward the ducklings when I followed.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Animals have fairly good instincts about who they can trust.

Hope the storm doesn't hit you too hard! From what I've seen it's not going to be mild.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Otters ate my wood ducks one year...look out

So sorry!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I sure hope they will all be safe and mama can find shelter for them all.

 

[Muscovy Duck Chronicles]

September 24th: (Day 13, 9 ducklings)


The day was pretty uneventful thankfully. I actually sat down as low as I could to see if the ducklings (especially mama) would allow me some good photos/videos. They happily obliged.


Alright troops, Riverbank training.
Wait..
You cheatin' little stinkers!

Must resist.....cant...pet....but...i wanna

There is a solid chance they are colluding to try to get me pecked by mama

@#$%....Im dead....

Somehow, Mama didn't care at all that they literally walked right up to me holding a camera. Maybe she does trust me.



Sidenote regarding storm: Nothing much changed. Lots of things in the air regarding its path/intensity. Supposedly we will know much more about what we are dealing with Wednesday afternoon. I ordered some rain/wind gear on amazon. At the very very least, I can keep an eye on them so long as I'm not putting myself in danger of course.

 

[Imndixie]

Just came across your journey with the muscovies. Loved reading it and can't wait for updates!

 

[Muscovy Duck Chronicles]

September 25th: (Day 14, 9 ducklings) 2 weeks old!


Wasn't able to spend a whole lot of time outside today due to Hurricane prep. Everything seemed to be holding serve though. Officially at 2 weeks old and visually are looking bigger.
---

Hold position troops. Imposter mama duck ahead!!!!

Unfortunately our babies learned what a "pecking order" means.

Worry not, The baby was unharmed but a little wiser afterward. The duckling above is 10 weeks old and it too learned a small lesson when I softly grabbed its tail to get it away from the babies

Hurricane update: The track is more favorable but the intensity is much worse. Now estimated to be a cat4 landfall. I'm less concerned with our ducklings but more concerned with our fellow humans down in Florida. I hope they heed local agencies and prepare!

Due to the storm, I cannot promise pictures/videos for the updates for the next 2-3 days. I do plan to check on them when things are relatively calm. Safety first! Photos/videos second.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sure hope you all will be safe

 

[Canadian Wind]

Stay safe!