Difference between Runners and Muscovy Ducklings

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Hey there Backyard Chicken (and Duck) folk!

I just got two ducklings from my cousin, they are almost 4 weeks old and starting to get their feathers. One is more yellow with some black markings and the other has a yellow underside and markings but is mainly black/dark coloring. Cousin is unsure which of her two ducks mothered them, but daddy is a Muscovy. She has a black female Runner and a female Muscovy, the Muscovy was primarily on the nest (the Runner is now sitting on at least 3 eggs).

I will add some pictures that I took of them today when I get home and get them off my camera. Here are some pictures that my Cousin took of the babies and the "mama" Muscovy.

Do you all know of anyway to tell if they are Runners or Muscovys... or a mix? Do I need to wait until they are older? I am guessing I have to wait until they are 2-3 months before taking a guess at their sex (not quiet sure on that either).

Any tips for this first time ducker?

 

[desertdarlene]

It's hard to tell because they're hybrids, but I think those are all Muscovies there. However, I think I see one duckling in that brood with a more slender bill than the others. Runner hybrids will also have thinner legs, shorter tail and a more upright stance than a full blooded Muscovy. It's hard to tell, exactly, because Muscovy genes are so dominant and it's hard to tell with young ducklings.

I think the black and yellow one is full Muscovy. He looks like his mom.

 

[PetesMom]

Not sure if the mix will have it but I do know purebred Muscovy have a "bean" at the end of their bill

I can only imagine a Muscovy drake breeding a runner duck, poor thing lmao ....our drake weighed approx 25lbs or so

 

[nthm94]

It seems to me, while a mix is entirely possible, that the ducklings you have there are mostly Muscovies, While the lighter ones bear an appearance similar to my Indian Runners. Most have a posture that isn't a trait of runner ducks. It's a safe bet to say that they Muscovies.

 

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This is about the best picture I was able to get of our two Ducklings {will try to get more in better light}. They both seem to have rather thick legs, wide beaks, and they have that 'bean' at the end it would appear...

Hoping they are Muscovies.

On a side note... I really love how they chirp! Our pullets (and Bonsai) are not quiet sure how to feel about these odd looking chickens, but the Ducklings seem to have fun chirping at them and chasing them from side to side... lol.

Another not so good picture... But here are some Pullets checking out one of the new Ducklings. And the Pullets have decided that the small 'pool' I put in for the Ducklings is a much better 'watering hole' than the water bucket I currently provide for them... Oi! lol

 

[Heat]

Not sure if the mix will have it but I do know purebred Muscovy have a "bean" at the end of their bill

I can only imagine a Muscovy drake breeding a runner duck, poor thing lmao ....our drake weighed approx 25lbs or so

Yea the size difference between the Drake the the Runner is pretty funny... He is definitely a good sized boy!