Are Muscovy Ducks Worth It?

[Mossy Dell]

Muscovies can and do eat a LOT more grass than ducks. They are more like geese. Like geese, they can eat grain/mash. And their growth is probably faster if they do. Because of their grazing ability, it would be interesting to work out how much grain to give them and what's the optimum and most economical amount.

 

[Klutch]

In my opinion muscovies are the best duck for eating. The meat is leaner and more flavorful than the mallard derived breeds. They are slower growing. If considering raising for profit, don't quit your day job.

I have to agree..
I wonder if you could caponize a male muskie?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

@Claires Poultry

 

[HuffleClaw]

If you seek all of the attributes of the Muscovy breed... why sure they’re worth it! It’s all up to you and your personal flock goals really. If looking for a good meat duck I suggest Pekins. Layers - well Khaki Campbells and Rouens are good for that. Muscovies make wonderful mamas most of the time.

 

[Claires Poultry]

Can muscovies be profitable since they take longer to grow out than other breeds, like a pekin? I've also heard that they eat way more than other ducks.

But apparently the meat is leaner so idk if they can be sold for more because of that.

Has anyone had any luck with making a profit? Or are they more just for a hobby?

I'm not sure if Muscovies can be profitable.
It depends on how expensive feed is. If you can get cheap feed - then maybe, but if feed is really expensive - then no.

My Muscovies are ready to be butchered at 15 weeks. They grow very quickly.
Their meat is much leaner and tastes much better than other duck meat.
I've read that Muscovy is some of the healthiest meat on the market.

They do eat a lot, but they are also excellent foragers. Better foragers than any other ducks, (in my experience).

 

[FortCluck]

I'm not sure if Muscovies can be profitable.
It depends on how expensive feed is. If you can get cheap feed - then maybe, but if feed is really expensive - then no.

My Muscovies are ready to be butchered at 15 weeks. They grow very quickly.
Their meat is much leaner and tastes much better than other duck meat.
I've read that Muscovy is some of the healthiest meat on the market.

They do eat a lot, but they are also excellent foragers. Better foragers than any other ducks, (in my experience).

My muscovy forages for most of her food. She's a great duck and gets lots of the unwanted bugs from our entire yard. I love her to pieces!

 

[chickens really]

Breeding a fast grower like a Pekin is best because ready by 16 weeks...

 

[dude with the ducks]

I ordered some "Grimaud Hybrid" Pekins and Golden 300 Layers from Metzer. I will probably buy a few muscovies in the near future too add to them.

 

[Klutch]

I ordered some "Grimaud Hybrid" Pekins and Golden 300 Layers from Metzer. I will probably buy a few muscovies in the near future too add to them.

I'm sure Hatchery/factory muscovies have had their genetics messed with (faster growing)

 

[AquaDuck]

I'd get just a few muscovies and try out the taste if I were you, as they're quite different tasting than other ducks. They might not be profitable in a food-time ratio compared to other ducks, but if you advertise right you're likely to sell it for a higher price as a "delicacy".