White Muscovy vs Peking Ducklings

[hilltopchicks77]

This is stupid but how do you tell the difference? I have 2 yellow ducklings from tractor supply. I just noticed the one is getting dark feathers near his eyes (on both sides and its not dirt) is this an indication? I thought it was a pekin but the bin was not labeled it just said ducklings.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would agree they look more like barred muscovy. Full body shots would help.

 

[hilltopchicks77]

Here's an updated pic of them

 

[casportpony]

Hello! I currently have 2 2-week old ducklings which I thought were Pekins, but are developing black on their feet and beaks. What ever happened with yours? Did they grow to be Pekins or Muscovys?

Welcome to BYC! Can you post some pictures of your ducklings?

 

[Rewsearle]

Welcome to BYC! Can you post some pictures of your ducklings?

Sure! Find some pictures attached. Here you can see the dark toes, dark on both their beaks, and dark feathers forming at the (follicle?)

d.

 

[casportpony]

Looks like they might be barred black Muscovies. @Miss Lydia , @oldhenlikesdogs , @Pyxis, what do you think? Are there other breeds that have this coloration?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Look like barred to me too!

 

[buff goose guy]

Look at the bill it is pink, more flat, and the tip is a bit more hook shaped, you have muscovies Congratulations! Also if you look at the body type of a pekin juvenile and a muscovy juvenile you'll be able to see the difference.

 

[learycow]

True pekins will be solid yellow (NO other color) with orange (sometimes pink) bills and feet. So the colored cap is a first giveaway.
Second, the body and head/bill shape (as buff goose guy mentioned) is different with each breed. But it can take a skilled eye to see it.
Muscovy will have a longer, slimmer body with a more horizontal stance and longer tail. Pekins are a bit more heavy bodied, have a more upright stance, and have a rounder head with a less flat bill attachment

 

[chickenmama7977]

I too got TSC ducklings. When I called back to ask what breed they said definitely not Muscovy. Lol. But guess what? Mine turned out to be muscovies. Drove me nuts comparing them with pekin duckling pics trying to guess their breed. But as time has told, they are sweet little muscovies. I love their sounds and their beaks. The nuzzle when held. So sweet.