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The Muscovy duck breed is native to Mexico, Central and South America. The term "Muscovy" means "from the Moscow region", but these ducks are neither native there nor were they introduced there before they became known in Western Europe. It is not known exactly how the name came about, only that it very likely originated between 1550 and 1600, but it did not become widespread until some years later. The breed is unique in that it is the only domestic duck not to have descended from the Wild Mallard.
Very popular as a domestic breed, males are quite large, growing to about 30 inches long. The females grow to roughly half the males' size. Their feet have sharp claws, which allows them to perch, but these can deliver nasty scratches, so care should be taken when handling them. Although the Muscovy duck is originally a tropical bird, it adapted well to cooler climates, thriving in weather as cold as 10 °F and is able to survive even colder conditions.
Muscovies were standardised in the British Waterfowl Standard in 1954 and now have 9 different colour varieties standardised. They first entered the APA's Standard of Perfection in 1874 and are standardised in White, Black, Blue and Chocolate. The breed can also be found in Pied (white with any color mixed), Lavender, Bronze and Ripple.
Details:
Purpose: Dual
Egg laying: 60-150 annually
Weight: Drakes 10-13 lbs; Ducks 5.5-6.6 lbs
Broodiness: Average, good mothers
Pic by @ThreeBoysChicks
Pic by @Chicken Kisses
Pic by @jmc
Pic by @lauralou
Pic by @ricklo
BYC Breed Reviews:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/muscovy
BYC Breed Discussions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/130753/muscovy-keepers-share-your-pics/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/808184/incubation-progress-of-muscovy-eggs/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/801036/attention-muscovy-lovers/0_30
Do you own Muscovies? Are you a Muscovie breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:
· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!
Very popular as a domestic breed, males are quite large, growing to about 30 inches long. The females grow to roughly half the males' size. Their feet have sharp claws, which allows them to perch, but these can deliver nasty scratches, so care should be taken when handling them. Although the Muscovy duck is originally a tropical bird, it adapted well to cooler climates, thriving in weather as cold as 10 °F and is able to survive even colder conditions.
Muscovies were standardised in the British Waterfowl Standard in 1954 and now have 9 different colour varieties standardised. They first entered the APA's Standard of Perfection in 1874 and are standardised in White, Black, Blue and Chocolate. The breed can also be found in Pied (white with any color mixed), Lavender, Bronze and Ripple.
Details:
Purpose: Dual
Egg laying: 60-150 annually
Weight: Drakes 10-13 lbs; Ducks 5.5-6.6 lbs
Broodiness: Average, good mothers
Pic by @ThreeBoysChicks
Pic by @Chicken Kisses
Pic by @jmc
Pic by @lauralou
Pic by @ricklo
BYC Breed Reviews:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/muscovy
BYC Breed Discussions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/130753/muscovy-keepers-share-your-pics/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/808184/incubation-progress-of-muscovy-eggs/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/801036/attention-muscovy-lovers/0_30
Do you own Muscovies? Are you a Muscovie breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:
· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!
