another Q -- how to tell if a muscovey is a Mule?

[Mojo Chick'n]

If I got muscovey ducklings, (say, at an auction or a swap) and did not know the seller - how could you tell if they were mules or not? is it obvious to the nekkid eye? Would they show signs of both parents or just look like scoveys?

Not saying I don't trust the general population... but...

meri

 

[poultrykeeper08]

Looke for the carcuncles(sp?) around the face , Mules dont have that . But they dont have that at hatching so that wouldnt work lol . I had to think about that for a minute

Its kinda hard to tell on ducklings

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Quote:

yeah, ducklings are hard to even sex (for me) I have all those blue swedish and I still simply "guess" at their sex. The females that I know for sure are females are the black ones with all black feet - it is the blue ones with two toned feet I have trouble with.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Knowing the general population in the area

I wouldn't trust them farther than I could throw them!! I would buy ducklings from a breeder or hatchery, or buy adults.

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
I had mules: offspring of Muscovey drake and Pekin females.
Besides lack of carbuncles around the face they are quackless like their daddy. Fast growing great meat birds, males and females quick grow to same size unlike pure Muscoveys drake being twice as large as hen.

I do not know if they mate. We ate them when they were young, meaty and delicious, not fat like Pekins.

But weather they mate or not their eggs are sterile. No further generations possible.

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Thanks for all the info -

so I guess until they mature, there isn't much way to tell.

Bluedog said he'll have some soon, so maybe I'll just get them from him - that way I know I can trust the source

thanks again -
meri