A silly question about mule ducks

[Henschickspups]

I currently have a single muscovy or muscovy mix in the incubator. I know if he hatches, he will need some friends.

Since muscovy are a different species than mallard derived, and therefore don't necessarily speak the same language, so it's better to have muscovy friends for muscovies, mallard derived friends for mallard derived ducklings - who is the best choice of friend for a mule duck?

 

[casportpony]

Why do you think it's a mule duck? Can you post some pictures of it?

 

[ProudRedneck]

Hi so I don't know where you're located in the world but just in case we're in different places, in the US when a Muscovy drake mates with a Mallard-derived hen they're called mules. When a Mallard-derived drake mates with a Muscovy hen their offspring are called hinnies.

Do you know if you have a mule specifically or just a crossbred Muscovy and you're not sure which was the hen and which one was the Drake?

I personally have hinnies, my Silver Appleyard drake mates with my Muscovy hen and I have 3 of their first brood born on 01/15/2023. The offspring are two males and one female and all of them speak the language of the Muscovy. They also followed the body size and development of the Muscovy side. My males are double the size of my female and the males are bigger than their Dad.

Brother and Sister together

Dad with his three offspring

Here's Mom with their second brood born 05/11/2023.

 

[Henschickspups]

I have no idea if it's a mule. I was told muscovy, and the gentleman who gave me the egg (to eat) also has mallard derived ducks I believe.

It's just a silly question I thought of while trying to find friends for my little ducky that could.

 

[Henschickspups]

I did not know that! I honestly have no idea what it is. I would assume at least a muscovy hen. Probably a muscovy drake too. But it is good to know I can just grab this little guy some muscovy friends if we make it to hatch, and they'll be able to gossip among themselves!

 

[Yardmom]

The number of days it takes to hatch (if your temperature is accurate) will give you a clue about if it is pure Muskovy. Muskovies take 35 days or more to hatch. Hinnies are usually less. My Hinnies looked like my Runner drake. Unfortunately I don't know what they would have been like at maturity due to a fisher.

 

[Henschickspups]

Is there a rough estimate to how many days early they hatch? Right now 35 days puts us at May 30th. With the uncertainty, I was planning to take the turner out May 28th, and then hand turn for the last few days.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Luv Ducks can probably answer this question.

 

[ruthhope]

Hi so I don't know where you're located in the world but just in case we're in different places, in the US when a Muscovy drake mates with a Mallard-derived hen they're called mules. When a Mallard-derived drake mates with a Muscovy hen their offspring are called hinnies.

Do you know if you have a mule specifically or just a crossbred Muscovy and you're not sure which was the hen and which one was the Drake?

I personally have hinnies, my Silver Appleyard drake mates with my Muscovy hen and I have 3 of their first brood born on 01/15/2023. The offspring are two males and one female and all of them speak the language of the Muscovy. They also followed the body size and development of the Muscovy side. My males are double the size of my female and the males are bigger than their Dad.

View attachment 3503490
Brother and Sister together

View attachment 3503492
Dad with his three offspring

View attachment 3503493
Here's Mom with their second brood born 05/11/2023.

Great photos of your family!! And to think you were such a cautious new duck Mom so recently. Duck math has really taken hold!

 

[ProudRedneck]

Great photos of your family!! And to think you were such a cautious new duck Mom so recently. Duck math has really taken hold!

Still a cautious new duck Mom... Just added cautious new Grandma to the repertoire LOL