01/18/2017
Copied from our Nextdoor website:
We are in the midst of the great duck round-up II in which the decision has been made by a FEW that will affect EVERYONE – ALL the ducks on the pond are in the process of being removed!!! This is a sad and short sighted decision that needs to be challenged.
We have 2 species of ducks on the pond, Muscovy and Pekin. The Muscovy ducks have been here the longest and are the ones that breed constantly and cause the population explosion and need to be managed appropriately. The Pekin ducks have only been here for about 6 months and they are a separate pack which are distinguished easily from the others as the one all black duck (with the hair-do!) and 3 all white ducks. These ducks have not demonstrated ANY mating habits since being on the pond and should and need to be allowed to remain.
Muscovy ducks should be removed; Pekin ducks (4) should be allowed to remain!!!
Here are the facts on the 2 duck species:
Muscovy Ducks –
Muscovy ducks are considered an invasive species. This is a somewhat aggressive duck; males often fight over food, territory or mates. The females fight with each other less often. Some adults will peck at the ducklings if they are eating at the same food source. This species does not form stable pairs, they will mate on land or in water - domesticated Muscovy ducks can breed up to three times each year. The hen lays a clutch of 8–16 white eggs, usually in a tree hole or hollow, which are incubated for 35 days. This is what is creating the population multiplication on the pond for the ducks and needs to be regulated.
Pekin Ducks –
Pekin ducks make ideal companion animals for a variety of reasons. As a duck imprints on a human, the bond of trust that develops rivals that of humans and dogs, for example, and can provide enduring companionship if they are not surrounded by other ducks. Pekin ducks are very intelligent, and are capable of lifelong strong and loyal bonds with humans, and often then prefer human company over the company of other ducks. Pekin ducks are less "broody" than other ducks which means they will incubate eggs less frequently and they are more likely to abandon their nest before their eggs hatch (again there has been no mating behavior for these 4 ducks since they have arrived on the pond). Pekin ducks, for the most part, are too heavy to get airborne. While some individual ducks may be lighter and capable of short bursts of vertical flight, clipping their flight feathers (pinioning) is generally unnecessary – their mobility on and around the pond will and has been entirely on duck foot!
We are one of the blessed homeowners in the neighborhood whose back yard is on the pond and we enjoy as most other homeowners enjoy the wildlife on the pond as a peaceful relaxation.
PLEASE do not remove the Pekin ducks!!! By allowing these 4 ducks to remain while removing the Muscovy ducks is an appropriate and correct action and compromise to controlling the duck population on the pond while allowing for enjoyment of nature.
