Surely, everyone has seen or had to clean up from all the Muscovy ducks in our Garden Patio Villas community. Did you know that even though they are considered wildlife, they were domesticated long ago. They were actually bred as eating birds. This is because of their larger size than other ducks that you may see in a woodland pond or even in our own canal. Male ducks can grow up to 30 inches, weighing up to 15 pounds. The females only grow to half their size, about 6-7 pounds. They have a lifespan of 8=12 years.
Muscovy ducks are extremely prolific. The female can breed 2-3 times a year. Breeding season is from October until May. The gestation period is usually about 35 days. They can lay up to 15 eggs, although only about 2 will survive to adulthood. The proliferation is what sometimes sparks controversy between neighbors. Some think they are cute and nice to look at. Others just see them as a nuisance.
Some people have the urge to feed the ducks. They feed them bread and cereal. This really has no nutritional value for the ducks. What it does is fill them up so they are not interested in feeding on grass, insects,slugs, and snails. This is what gives them the nutrition that they need. It is also against City of Margate ordinance and Garden Patio Villas Governing Documents (rules) to feed the wildlife.
Muscovy Ducks are really only good at eating and pooping. This is evidenced on our sidewalks and driveways. It is not against the law to capture and humanely euthanize a duck. However it is against the law to capture and release in another location. We should just leave the ducks alone. They do not need our help. The ducks will be just fine.