Proper Care For Muscovy Ducks

This article is intended to be a guide for the humane rearing of commercial Muscovy ducks. It has been developed with the welfare of the ducks as a priority. Welfare has been shown to impact hatchability, livability and overall carcass quality. Provision of a comfortable, well-managed environment for farm-reared ducks is in the best interests of the birds and the owners.

Raising ducks requires knowledge of their behavior and proper production techniques. More detailed information on rearing ducks can be obtained from the University of California Cooperative Extension, experienced industry representatives, books and other publications. Anyone planning to raise Muscovy ducks should familiarize themselves with appropriate husbandry techniques prior to obtaining any ducklings.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES


Employee Training and Monitoring


Duck caretakers should be trained in bio-security, duck behavior, brooder management, house ventilation, flock health management, litter management and emergency procedures. This training should include the rationale for all procedures. Emergency procedures should be clearly posted and should include emergency contacts and telephone numbers. Employees should have access to managers or emergency services at all times.


Record Keeping


Good records are essential to successful duck production. Records should be kept on hatchability, mortality, culling levels, reasons for culling, feed consumption, rodent control, vaccinations, farm visitors and any other flock information that is available. Records should be used on a regular basis to identify problems and determine the success of bird management programs.

HATCHING AND SERVICING DUCKLINGS


Egg Storage and Preparation


Duck hatching eggs should be stored at a temperature of 55 to 65oF (12-18o C) with a relative humidity of 70-80%. Eggs should be stored on clean egg flats with the large end up. Prolonged storage (more than 7 days) will result in a linear decrease in percent hatch. Eggs that are misshapen, abnormally large or small, visibly cracked, or excessively dirty should be removed prior to storage and not incubated.

Incubation

The hatchery should be properly ventilated to assure good hatches. Incubators should be tested prior to setting eggs to assure that optimum conditions are maintained. Muscovy ducks require an incubation period of 35 days. Eggs should be set with the large end up or in a horizontal position depending on the type of incubator trays used. It is suggested that hatcheries use the manufacturer"s recommended temperature and humidity settings for duck eggs until experience is gained. Most machines are equipped with automatic turning devices and they should be set to turn the eggs every hour. If the eggs must be turned manually, it should be done 3 or more (an odd number) times per day.

For still-air incubators the temperature within the incubator should be maintained at approximately 102oF (39oC) with 60 to 65% relative humidity. The thermometer should be placed at average egg height. Water pans should be filled just prior to use and water replaced every 3 to 4 days throughout the incubation period. The eggs should be placed horizontally and turned 180 degrees on the long axis, 3 or more times per day (an odd number). In forced-air incubators a dry bulb temperature of 99.5oF (37.5oC) and a wet bulb temperature of 88oF (31.5oC; equivalent to 65% relative humidity) are recommended.

Eggs should be transferred to hatching machines approximately 3 days prior to hatch (this can be done anytime after 24 days if desired). Recommended settings during hatch are 98.5oF (37oC) temperature and a wet-bulb temperature of 88oF (31oC; equivalent to 66% relative humidity). Eggs should not be turned in the hatchers. Hatchers should be cleaned and disinfected after each hatch. Setters can be cleaned less frequently but should still be cleaned on a regular basis.

Hatchery Processing of Ducklings


After hatching ducklings should be removed from the machine promptly (when 95% are dry) to prevent dehydration. They are very sensitive and should be handled carefully. Place ducklings in fresh disposable boxes or clean and disinfected plastic boxes. Boxes should be lined with new pads that provide good traction to prevent injury. The boxes should provide adequate ventilation to prevent heat stress. The duckling holding room should be maintained at 75oF (23.9oC) and 75% relative humidity.

Vehicles used to transport ducklings should provide adequate ventilation, temperature and humidity levels throughout the trip. Delivery times should be scheduled with weather conditions in mind. During hot weather, delivery should begin as early as possible to prevent heat stress. During loading and unloading, the ducklings should be monitored for signs of heat stress (panting, dropping wings or prostration) and any problems should be remedied quickly. The truck and any equipment used for loading and unloading should be cleaned between uses.

Vaccinations may be given at the hatchery. Follow the manufacturer"s instructions for handling, preparing and administering the vaccine.

Egg and Cull Disposal


Any unhatched eggs or cull ducklings must be humanely euthanized immediately after the hatch is pulled. Acceptable methods include cervical dislocation and maceration. Methods that involve suffocation, drowning or contact with irritating chemicals should not be used. Employees must be properly trained and monitored to assure humane euthanasia.


BROODING AND GROWING


Brooding Temperature


Muscovy ducklings are particularly sensitive to cold and require an ambient air temperature of 85 to 90oF (29.4 to 32.2oC) for the first 3 days. The temperature can be gradually reduced to approximately 82oF (28o C) by the end of the first week. Temperature can be reduced weekly until 28 days when it should be maintained between 63 oF and 70 oF (17.5o C and 21o C). All equipment necessary to heat the house should be started at least 24 hours prior to the arrival of the ducklings to ensure conditions are optimal when they are placed.

Brooder Rings


It is best to confine the ducklings to a smaller space using a brooder ring until they become adjusted to their environment and learn the location of water, heat and feed. Rings can be constructed out of metal, wire or other material that can be easily cleaned and sanitized or disposable corrugated cardboard. The material should be 12 to 15 inches high and should form a ring around the heat source, feeders and watering devices without leaving any corners where ducklings might pile and smother. The ring"s diameter should be increased and joined to other rings to form larger circles as the birds grow. At 7 to 10 days of age the rings can be removed and the birds allowed access to the entire pen.

Feed and Water


Drinking water is one of the most critical needs of a duckling. Water containers should be filled at least 24 hours prior to placement of the birds to allow the water to reach room temperature. The height of all watering devices should be adjusted as the birds grow to ensure ease of access. Since ducks are waterfowl, they need to be able to immerse their bills in water. This is important for proper hygiene and the health of their nostrils and eyes. The watering devices should not be large enough to allow them to put their entire body into the water. This will cause the water to get dirty and become contaminated. Adequate watering space should be provided (75 inches trough access space, 10 cups or 15 nipples/ 100 ducks up to 7 weeks of age). Watering equipment should be cleaned frequently.

Feeders should provide 75 inches of trough access per 100 ducks up to 7 weeks of age. Feed can be provided immediately upon arrival of the birds or shortly after to encourage the birds to locate the water first. Feed should be provided on a free choice basis. The ration should provide adequate levels of nutrients to ensure optimum growth and development. Any caked or stale feed should be removed to prevent bacterial and mold growth.

Placement of the feeders and watering devices is important for litter maintenance. It may be desirable to move them daily to prevent build up of caked litter. Litter under feeders and watering devices should be monitored and caked litter removed and replaced. It may be preferred to place watering devices and feeders on raised slatted or wire flooring to prevent the problems associated with wet litter.

Monitoring


Ducklings should be checked at least twice a day for the first week to ensure adequate access to feed and water. Particular attention should be paid to duck behavior to assess if the temperature is comfortable. If radiant heaters are used the duckings should form a ring under the heater. If they crowd to the center it is an indication that the temperature is to low. If the entire pen is heated the ducklings should spread out uniformly. If they crowd together in groups or one side of the pen it is an indication that the temperature is too low or that the pen is drafty. After the first week, the ducks should be inspected at least daily. If injuries occur, efforts should be made to determine the cause and make any adjustments possible to prevent future incidences. Caretakers should move through pens carefully while monitoring for sick or injured birds. Culls should be removed to a hospital pen or humanely euthanized.

BREEDING STOCK

Breeding stock is started in the same way as market ducks. Additional housing space should be provided during the development period.

Housing


Breeder ducks may be kept in litter floor houses or houses with access to outside runs. If outside runs are used ducks should be confined indoors during the night to protect them from predators. If feed is provided inside, water must also be provided. Otherwise it is acceptable to allow the ducks to go without water during the night. Each duck should be allotted 4 to 6 ft2 of space. There should be a ratio of one male per 3 to 4 females.

Nests


Nests should be provided to prevent the ducks from laying eggs on the floor where they have a greater chance of becoming contaminated, cracked or broken. One nest should be provided for each four or five females. Clean, dry nest pads or litter should be provided in the nests and changed often to keep eggs clean. Nests should be large enough to provide an environment where the duck can feel safe. Suggested dimensions are 12 in wide, 18 in deep and 12 in high. A small 2-inch high board can be placed across the front to retain nest litter.


Feed and water


Ducks should be fed a maintenance ration from 8 weeks to an age of 5 to 7 months depending upon when lay will be initiated. The maintenance diet should be formulated to provide adequate nutrient levels for uniform flock growth and development without excessive fat. At 5 to 7 months, a breeder diet should be provided starting 1 month prior to the time hatching eggs are required. The breeder ration should provide adequate nutrients to ensure breeder health, egg quality and good hatchability. Feed can be provided free choice or in measured quantities. If feed is not provided free choice, care should be taken to ensure uniform feed consumption among individuals. Water must be available whenever feed is provided, but need not be available at all times. Care should be taken to assure that ducks consume adequate water.

Lighting


Ducks are usually stimulated to come into full lay at approximately 7 months of age. The most appropriate age to light stimulate ducks may vary with genetic strain. Consult the breeding company for their recommendations. Proper age at light stimulation will ensure adequate body development and optimal health during egg production. A 14 hour day length is sufficient to stimulate full production. Light stimulate drakes one to two weeks before ducks to assure good fertility.

Recycling (molting) of Breeders


Feed can be withheld for a period up to 48 hours but water should always be available during recycling. Samples of ducks should be weighed frequently to assure that weight loss is within target guidelines. Flock mortality should be monitored closely during any recycling program. Any increase in mortality should be investigated promptly.

Egg Collection and Handling

Since ducks lay their eggs early in the day, collection should take place in early morning. A second or third collection may be desirable at hourly intervals. Another collection can take place just before the birds are confined indoors for the night if they have access to outside runs. Muscovy ducks are very broody, so it is important to collect the eggs often. For egg handling and storing procedures consult: HATCHING AND SERVICING DUCKLINGS page 5.

ENVIRONMENT

Housing


Housing is provided as protection from the extremes of the environment that could cause mortality, reduced growth, immunosuppression, reduced fertility or reduced egg production.

Appropriate building design should consider the local climate and temperature. Insulation may be necessary to maintain the desired temperature range within the house. Materials used in construction of the interior surfaces should be easily cleaned and sanitized. The house should be free from any sharp edges, corners or other protrusions, which might injure the birds. The house should be well maintained and necessary repairs should be done in a timely manner. Muscovy ducks are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures. Heaters or provisions for cooling may be necessary to maintain temperature within an optimum range. Heat stress may be reduced by using roof sprinklers, inside foggers, fans that move air over the ducks, ceiling insulation or evaporative pad cooling. The behavior of ducks is an excellent indication of the comfort of the environment. Ducks that are too cold will huddle close together. If they are too hot, they will open their beaks, pant and spread their wings.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary to remove moisture, carbon dioxide and ammonia and provide oxygen. The ammonia level should not exceed 25 ppm. Long-term exposure to ammonia in excess of this level will cause damage to the lungs, trachea and eyes. Ammonia levels should be assessed at the level of the ducks. It is important that uniform ventilation is provided without cold drafts on young ducklings.

Air Quality


Air quality is an important consideration for the ducks and workers. Poor air quality can lead to health problems such as deterioration of the lungs, trachea and eyes. Air quality is a more serious concern in closed houses with high stocking density. Airborne contaminants should never exceed the limits recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Dust and ammonia are the most obvious of the airborne contaminants in duck houses. Dust results from manure, feed, litter and dander. The permissible exposure limit set by Cal/OSHA for total dust is 10 mg/m3 and for respirable dust is 5 mg/m3. Ammonia exposure limits for workers established by Cal/OSHA are 25 ppm for an 8-hour TWA (time weighted average) exposure and 35 ppm for a 15-minute short-term exposure.

Endotoxins (toxins derived from bacteria) are also an important consideration for the safety of workers. No acceptable limits have been set by Cal/OSHA but managers should be alert for symptoms of excessive exposure in workers. These symptoms include, cough, chest tightness, diarrhea, eye irritation, fatigue, fever, headache, nasal irritation, nausea and phlegm.

Levels of ammonia and dust should be closely monitored and maintained below acceptable limits. Employee exposure to excessive levels should be minimized and respiratory protection (a two-strap, OSHA approved dust mask) should be provided if necessary.

Flooring and Litter

Concrete floors are preferred but packed earthen floors can also be used. Floors should be graded to prevent pooling of water.

Many types of litter may be used, including wood shavings, rice hulls and chopped straw. The material used should be absorbent and not easily packed down. Enough litter should be provided to absorb the feces moisture. Maintaining good litter condition is important to bird health. If the litter is too dry, it can become dusty and cause respiratory problems. If the litter is too wet, caking occurs and can result in footpad lesions and breast blisters, which are uncomfortable for the animal and adversely, affect carcass quality. Moisture level is of particular importance to Muscovy ducks. Since they are waterfowl, Muscovy ducks require water for grooming. This process leads to splashing and spilled water around the watering equipment. Also, duck feces are considerably wetter than the feces of other poultry. Litter should be raked over to break up any clumps and layers of fresh litter should be added as needed. Locating watering devices and feeders on raised, slatted or wire floors will reduce wet litter problems.

Stocking Density

Males and females should be grown in separate pens. Ducks grow rapidly and overcrowding can develop quickly. Overcrowding should be avoided since it can cause wet litter, uneven and poor growth and increased feather picking. For heavy strains, the stocking density can range from 2 to 3 ft2 for males and from 1 to 2 ft2 for females. In determining stocking density, the flooring type, equipment, ventilation and climate should be considered. Males and females can be placed in separate houses or in separate pens within the same house. If the later approach is used, males should be allowed access to the entire house when females are removed for processing before males.

Feed and Water


Ducks should receive diets that provide nutrient levels appropriate for their age and reproductive condition. Additional feeding and watering equipment may be needed as the birds grow to ensure all birds receive adequate nutrients (see Feed and Water page 7 for detailed recommendations). Feed and water intake should be monitored as an indicator of flock health and any abrupt changes should be investigated. Young ducks can be fed mash or crumbled feed. Pelleted feeds are often used for older ducks because they have been shown to reduce waste, improve feed efficiency and increase growth response.

Lighting

Lighting can be supplied by natural light or artificial lamps. Light intensity should be adequate for the caretaker to work effectively and to examine the birds for signs of illness or behavioral abnormality. During the first week, a minimum of 1 to 2 foot candles of light intensity should be provided for 23 hours a day. This allows the birds time to adjust to their environment and learn where the feeders and watering devices are located. Two hours of darkness should be provided on the first day of week 2 with 2-hour additions each day until a 16-hour da