Muscovy biting

[Sydann]

I have two female Muskovy ducks. I got one first and then was looking for a friend for her and found one about the same age (8 months). The one is got first is relentlessly bullying the new one. I thought she’s be happy to have a friends since it was just her and the chickens and I know ducks like to be with other ducks but she won’t stop biting her neck and attempting to pull her feathers out. Do I get rid of the new duck and just let the original one be a lone duck? It’s been 3 days and the behavior has gotten no better. She literally seeks out the other duck to bite her. And the other duck just lays down and lets her bite her. She hasn’t successfully removed feathers but she grabs them and shakes her head back and fourth trying too.

 

[Miss Lydia]

When introducing any new poultry it’s best to intro with fencing in between so the newbie doesn’t get picked on. And a crate In the coop for over night for the new one this gives everyone a chance to get aquatinted. Sometimes it only takes a few days other time longer depends on the resident duck. I have 3 Muscovy females left in my flock who are 12 and 11 yrs old Mother daughter and aunt my 11 yr old picks on the aunt, Muscovy are like this. My Runners Buff and Cayuga don’t pick on each other. I’d try the look no touch for a while and then start by letting them be together with supervision until the one isn’t picking. That may not happen until fall though.

 

[ruthhope]

My last introduction was see no touch for 4 weeks before I let them together. The new one was bullied to establish pecking order for weeks and now after 4 months he is not just a dab hand at avoiding being pecked, he is building a relationship hanging out with two of the muscovies.

The last two females that I rehomed to my son's flock, were thrown straight in to the coop at night and by morning had blended. Some ducks take longer than others, but I don't recommend my son's technique although it commonly works for introducing new chickens to a coop!!