Help me identify and care for

[aquatech]

This bird has been wandering around our front yard all summer long. He is now well known by all the neighbors and enjoys a well-fed life of bread and crackers. But I am concerned if these birds are supposed to migrate in winter or can they survive in south Texas. Will he migrate eventually or will he try to survive winter by feeding off humans? Notice that he is also alone, no female companion. Sometimes he disappears for a few days, I wonder if he's got a family somewhere or is he alone. Also, do these birds fly or just walk? I appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[sourland]

He's a Muscovy drake, and he is non migratory. He's there for the duration. Poultry feed would be better for him rather than bread and crackers. Even wild bird feed would be far better than his present diet. Is there a body of water nearby ?

 

[SuperNatural05]

That’s a Muscovy drake (male). Think it’s great that you want to care for him!

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

Muscovy Drake and feed him chicken feed!

 

[happy duck]

I would(if you want to keep him in the neighborhood get him several friends....I need some muscovy owners... @Miss Lydia @Soon2BChixMom ....there are more...just forgot them!

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC!

I agree, Muscovy drake (boy), and he looks pretty young so he can probably fly a little.

 

[aquatech]

He's a Muscovy drake, and he is non migratory. He's there for the duration. Poultry feed would be better for him rather than bread and crackers. Even wild bird feed would be far better than his present diet. Is there a body of water nearby ?

There are a few creeks nearby, probably small ponds, no lakes. This is a residential neighborhood. Do you think he flies away to his family there?

He grabs food from my hands but cautious enough not to get caught. I have a small backyard where I can let his stay through the winter, but not sure how to guide him there. Can I grab him and carry him? Will he bite or scratch me?

My concern is that he camps outside in the front yard, exposed to elements and predators (we have hawks). It's been raining all day today and he just sits in the rain. Once the temperature drops, how will he adapt?

Why is he alone? Isn't he supposed to be looking for a mate? Will he survive the winter sitting like that in the front yard or does he need to be saved?

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Weather doesn't affect ducks much, at least not ours. They'll sit right out in blowing snow like it's nothing.
If he's being fed he could possibly be just hanging around for that, he knows he'll get something there.
Don't feed bread.... it's really not that good for them in my opinion.
Maybe he has an owner but just got away?

 

[BYC910]

We had one of those . He would let the pond freeze around him in the winter. If there was a flock he belonged to , he would be there so you have a duck .Good luck with that

 

[Conan]

There are a few creeks nearby, probably small ponds, no lakes. This is a residential neighborhood. Do you think he flies away to his family there?

He grabs food from my hands but cautious enough not to get caught. I have a small backyard where I can let his stay through the winter, but not sure how to guide him there. Can I grab him and carry him? Will he bite or scratch me?

My concern is that he camps outside in the front yard, exposed to elements and predators (we have hawks). It's been raining all day today and he just sits in the rain. Once the temperature drops, how will he adapt?

Why is he alone? Isn't he supposed to be looking for a mate? Will he survive the winter sitting like that in the front yard or does he need to be saved?

What a handsome boy. I agree with all others in regards to him being a Muscovy drake. You'll find that ducks are pretty darn tough when it comes to weather, even in freezing temperatures. I think he'll be fine.
It's great that you are willing to care for him! If he eats from your hand, he'll likely be somewhat easy to capture. If he does bite or scratch, I can guarantee that it won't hurt much, if at all
If you manage to secure him, I'd get him some gamebird feed at your feed store and call it good. If your yard is secure, he'll likely be fine, though a dog house stuffed with straw may be appreciated for those times that he may want a hidey-hole.
I also wonder why he's alone, but if your neighbors are all aware of him and he does not belong to any of them, I'd call him fair game. Be prepared... Once you feed and care for him, you'll have a groupie for life!