can you tell the sex of muscovy ducklings?

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dntd

dntd

Songster
10 Years
Dec 4, 2009
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I justgot 6 muscovy, though after I ordered them I found out they will most likely not breed so they will have to all be for the table, my first meat birds. They are so cute and tiny, 3 have black head spots, 3 don't, is it a fluke or are the sex linked?
 
Sometimes the white's will have a "black cap" they should molt it out after they get older but some keep it. i have a black pied hen that molted into a solid white head and sfter she was attacked she grew her head feathers back and had a new black spot! it's not sex-linked, just a trait some of the white muscovies have. if they're Mules(muscovyX) they may keep the coloring they have.
 
This what the hatchery states on the website :


To enhance the natural advantages of the Muscovy, there has been a lot of genetic research and selection done in France. As a result, strides have been made in increasing feed efficiency and improving growth rates. The new hybrid Muscovy ducklings look like the original Muscovy, but they eat somewhat more per bird per day, and grow more rapidly. For the traditional roasting duck with that fine “ducky” flavour, you need to raise them at least 14 weeks. The feed efficiency will drop as the birds get older and heavier, but the improved meat quality and better dressing percentage will make it worthwhile.


I emailed them and all they could say is that a few people have stated that they were trying to keep them. I really want to keep a pair even more so if our animal by law changes to allow chickens outside, thatway I can build a 2 story coop that they can live on the bottom:)
 
This is the email I sent them with there reply:

unfortunately I cannot say with absolute certainty but I have a feeling in all our small lot purchases that somone is trying it. Sorry
----- Original Message -----

Hi, I'm interested in your muscovy and was wondering about the hybrid. Will they be healthy enough to keep as long term livestock reproducing the next year?, I do plan on eating them but having a small flock is also my intention.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
You should directly ask them "are your Muscovy Hybrids Purebred Muscovy or are they a crossbreed?" then you will know for sure if it's possible for them to reproduce if that's why you're planning to keep them. I would definitely want to know.

I'd hate to get attached then end up having to make them dinner
sad.png
 
Hybrids are not purebreds. They are a cross between breeds. In this case, you have a Muscovy crossed with a heavy Mallard derived breed which, because of the genetic difference between Muscovies and Mallard derived ducks, creates a mule that should preform as stated. The hens will lay small, unfertilized eggs. I believe the males to be sterile. If you get some pure Muscovies, and let the drake cover one of the heavy Mallard breeds such as the Rouen or Pekin, you essentially will have the same thing.
 
I guess I'll have to get a trio in the spring then, this sucks because they are so cute.
 

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