Raising an Indian duck at home and feeding it is not difficult, provided it is approached correctly. In addition to being easy to care for, birds are distinguished by high productive qualities and excellent taste. This explains the rise in popularity of Indian ducks. Poultry farmers also appreciate the increased viability of young animals, which under comfortable conditions is at least 95%.
General description of indo-ducks
Indo-ducks (muscovy ducks) are a special breed of domestic waterfowl that are ideal for breeding and keeping. Their appearance differs from the appearance of an ordinary duck, since the body of an indo-duck has a wide, elongated shape. The fleshy growth is similar to that seen on turkeys. The taste of the meat is high. In musk duck it is less fatty, which is why it is considered dietary. This determines the desire of many farmers to keep birds.
The name comes from a certain fatty deposit that appears on the head of birds as they age. It gives off a musky smell. The plumage is hard, so the Indian ducks have not forgotten how to fly, which should be taken into account when arranging the poultry house. Another characteristic feature of musk ducks is the ability to make sounds that resemble a quiet hiss. It is impossible to hear loud sounds from them, since birds do not like to attract unnecessary attention to themselves.
You can distinguish a female from a male only by the presence of fat bags in the latter’s beak area and a small crest on the top of the head. The weight of the drake reaches 6 kg, the female – 3 kg. At an early age, sexual dimorphism in birds is poorly expressed.
Bird species
There are many varieties of musk ducks, but the following breeds are more suitable for breeding at home:
- black - the bird’s feathers are completely black, in the sun they glow green, there are small white specks on the neck;
- black and white - only the back and eyes are black, and the breast is white, while the bird’s beak is red, with slight pigmentation;
- white - the color is considered rare, and such birds cannot be found in their natural habitat;
- white with speckles - Indian ducks wear white plumage with a small black pattern that forms a beautiful pattern;
- the white-brown breed is almost a decorative type of bird, since it has a coffee-colored plumage with a chocolate color at the tail;
- blue - has a gray-blue color, with a dark edging on the flight feathers.
Now interspecific crossing is practiced to obtain new hybrid breeds, and a variety of colors are also formed. To obtain a productive stock of Indian ducks, it is recommended to purchase chicks from a reliable breeder.
Advantages and disadvantages
For those who are just planning to start breeding musk ducks, you should learn in detail about the advantages of these birds:
- chicks and young animals show good survival;
- high performance qualities;
- unpretentiousness to feed;
- quickly get used to the owner and their territory;
- good taste of eggs and meat;
- rapid growth and weight gain;
- balanced disposition and high maternal instinct.
By nature, these birds are given a strong immune system, which is why they have a high survival rate, are resistant to infections and are unpretentious in keeping. An ordinary small-sized farmstead is suitable for them, where, instead of a pond, they can put a trough in which they will bathe, drink and train the ducklings.
In the hot season, musk ducks are able to obtain their own food, feeding on fresh herbs and various insects. They are not aggressive towards their relatives and do not start squabbles. Therefore, they can be grown even in a small area - the birds will not cause inconvenience to neighbors.
Muscovy duck meat is considered dietary because it has a low fat content. In addition, it lacks the characteristic taste that is characteristic of many waterfowl.
Eggs are high in protein, magnesium and potassium, as well as folic acid.The product is useful for children, athletes and pregnant women. The weight of the egg is about 70-80 g. The color of the yolk is rich, close to orange.
Among the disadvantages, only one is noted - Indian ducks do not tolerate high humidity, so raising birds in a humid climate zone is difficult.
Maintenance and care rules for beginners
A poultry farmer who is going to start breeding indo-ducks from scratch should have an idea of the basic rules of care:
- careful adherence to temperature conditions is not required - these birds are resistant even to sudden temperature fluctuations;
- the walls of the poultry house must be treated annually with a solution of slaked lime, once a week a thorough cleaning is required using disinfectants and subsequent treatment of equipment;
- drinkers and feeders should be cleaned daily, as well as changing the water in a container intended for bathing;
- the poultry house needs a simple ventilation system to prevent excessive humidity and musty air, which birds cannot tolerate;
- The walking area must be regularly cleared of debris, stones, fragments, nails, otherwise the bird may injure its crop or pierce its paw with a sharp object;
- food residues are removed in a timely manner;
- in the poultry house it is important to immediately equip several separate nests so that each female can care only for her babies;
- Birds should be released for morning exercise after 10 a.m. so that the females have time to lay eggs;
- Birds' wings are regularly clipped to prevent them from flying over the fence.
The poultry farmer will gain more detailed knowledge in the process of breeding and keeping.
Feeding and slaughter of adult birds
Poultry farmers have noted the omnivorous nature of birds. Feeding them will not be difficult.Muscovy ducks need to be fed a balanced diet. It is advisable to purchase mixed feed or prepare it yourself. The basis of the diet is corn, barley, oats and wheat, mixed in equal parts. To this mixture you need to add lupine, peas, and vitamin components. A tenth of the daily diet, as a rule, consists of green matter.
Feeders need to be refilled three times a day. This is the only way to raise a herd healthy and productive. In winter, it is necessary to add grass meal consisting of legumes and silage to the diet.
You should pay attention to the behavior of birds - it will always tell you if they are missing something. If ducks are plucking their feathers, they most likely have a severe lack of mineral supplements. As mineral supplements, you can use crushed eggshells, chalk, coarse sand or shells, which need to be mixed with the food. Table salt is also useful, but it should be given in small doses.
You can only benefit from meat if the slaughter period is chosen correctly. Indian ducks are developing rapidly. They are classified as early ripening. Already at the age of 3 months they are considered mature. It is during this period that the meat is most tender and has a delicate taste and aroma. At a later time, the duck begins to lay eggs, and the meat loses its taste.
Subtleties of breeding
The birds reproduce well. Raising several families of ducks is considered profitable. One family should consist of a drake and 3-5 females. You can mate Indian ducks with other breeds, but the offspring will have reduced reproductive qualities.
Birds mate in early spring. At this time, their fertility is several times higher than in summer. Already at the end of March, the female begins to lay eggs.If it is necessary to shift the deadlines, then conditions are created for the Indian ducks by increasing the daylight hours with lamps. When at least 15 eggs appear in the nest, the female begins to nest. She can be given eggs from a nearby nest.
Ducklings appear on the 35th day. They should be taken away from the hen and transferred under a special lamp. At one day of age, when they are completely dry, they are returned to the parent.
Common diseases and methods of their treatment
Despite their strong immunity, musk ducks can be susceptible to diseases if they are not kept and fed properly. The most common birds are:
- salmonellosis or paratyphoid fever;
- coccidiosis;
- cholera;
- viral hepatitis.
Infectious diseases are dangerous because they are transmitted from one bird to another. From some types of infection, ducks die a couple of hours after infection. A number of diseases are dangerous for humans, especially for people with a weakened immune system, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Birds are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. The drugs are mixed into feed mixtures. The sick are separated from the herd.
