SidAtRebeccaCreek. I will tell you of our experiences with the Muscovy mothers and babies. We always let the mothers hatch their eggs in milk crates, you know, the yellow ones (generally). They are a perfect place because the eggs stay in complete contact with the eggs. Sometimes that is not possible and they just brood them in the straw and that works out OK too. I have a spot in the corner that is a triangle shape, that is where they stay for a couple of weeks after hatching until they are old enough for me to feel that they can leave safely the barn with the mother. THis is only what I do, it seems to work here. Once the eggs are hatched, I leave them with the mother alone for a day or so. THen I pick up the mother, the babies and move them to the safer place. YOu can do that with absolutely no problem. The mothers are so devoted that they will not leave the babies come blazes or high water.
So, if I were you, I would just let her hatch out up there, then move her down, babies and all.
It takes about 35 days for Muscovys to hatch their babies, and it may take a day or two longer, so I hear. When my ducks hatch their young, they are all born that same day. Oh the joy. You just wait until you hear the little peeping sounds, the babies are so ding dang cute. I am not kidding, you are in for a treat of your lifetime. The mothers are very protective and will hiss at you, that will be a new sound to you, the ducks are usually pretty quiet little ladies. If you have any more questions, please ask me, if anything is unclear, please ask for clarification. I can't wait to hear the results of what hatches. My hatches here have been almost 100%. Usually, maybe only one or two are duds, it is the coolest thing on earth to see the new born babies, coming out and lovin' life. Have a most beautiful wonderful day, love our lives we live, and have the best of the best. Cindi