Unsecure chicken perches

[henriette]

We went out with a friend yesterday who was buying hens and ducks. We decided to get four hens as well. That was fine as we only have two. Then we went to the duck pen with her and that's when it all went badly wrong. I asked her what variety they were, and she said "white ones for meat". The presumption was that they were Aylesburys. Having said we wouldn't have any more ducks we bought two (as you do) - not for meat though. When we got back I did a bit more asking around and found out that they are Barbary Ducks (Muscovys) A really lovely surprise as I adore Muscovy Ducks. Never seen a completely white one though. Anyway, we now have these dear little things in a pen in the middle of the Goosery. Will try to get photos if I can.

[Lesley]

Oooooh! duck babies!!!

 

I thought Barbarys were a hybrid......great for meat.......are you sure you're not going to eat them?

[henriette]

Oooooh! duck babies!!!

 

I thought Barbarys were a hybrid......great for meat.......are you sure you're not going to eat them?

 

It would appear that they are only hybrids if mated with another breed of duck - usually Mallard I think. Over here they call the hybrids Moulard and I think they are a Barbary/Pekin cross. All a bit complicated.

However, the fact is we have these Tyrannosaurus Rex babies that seem to have grown 20cms already. No, we really wont eat them, but if they get unmanageable for us then they will go down to Nico and there they will be on the table.

The last time I had Muscovy Ducks I was an awful lot younger and more agile, so I hope they will be friendly.