HERE is where we are going to talk about a sustainable meat bird flock

[dancingbear]

I seem to recall reading that a 'scovy and a pekin (or other duck) could breed, but that the offspring would be sterile, like mules. If that's true, (anybody know for sure?) it would seem to indicate that 'scovies are not truly ducks, but a separate species, like horses and zebras.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
Yes its true , but there are many ducks and some geese that can't successfully interbreed . According to theory , all domestic ducks except the Muscovy are descended off Mallards , and can [ and unfortunately do ] interbreed with wild Mallards .

 

[CARS]

Quote:
I don't know. I have been digging through the Duck section but dang, there is a lot of activity there. Maybe I should just post a few questions there and link the info here???
(shhh, don't tell the mods. It may be considered multiple posting

)

Read away dear:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/2004-10-01/Marvelous-Muscovies.aspx

Thanks darling

 

[sekinkead]

Thanks for the article Saddina, it was very informative.

 

[pringle]

I dont see how they are related to mallards though,they were "evolved"in south america and I dont think mallards go there.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
I made a poorly worded post earlier ; and that may be what you're referring to . According to what I've read , Muscovies are not related either to wild Mallards or any breed of domestic ducks . I do know Pekins [ which are supposedly descended from Mallards ] and wild Mallards can interbreed and produce fertile offspring . A Muscovy drake will breed with a hen from other duck breeds , I've seen that happen , but the offspring are called " mule ducks " and said to be infertile .

 

[Soccer Mom]

Quote:
So you still have the pekins, or have you already traded them all? I'm looking for some pekins and I'm local to you. I have a big place with two ponds, so the mess isn't an issue. I was about to get ducklings again, but I wouldn't mind acquiring older stock, particularly if you have POL birds.

 

[pringle]

Yeah sorry I misread it.Umm by them being mules do you think the females can still produce eggs?Im most likely gonna raise the ones I cross for meat but if there are any especially nice ones I may not butcher.

 

[kooltex]

Quote:
So you still have the pekins, or have you already traded them all? I'm looking for some pekins and I'm local to you. I have a big place with two ponds, so the mess isn't an issue. I was about to get ducklings again, but I wouldn't mind acquiring older stock, particularly if you have POL birds.

I just traded them today for a spotted donkey! LOL.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
So you still have the pekins, or have you already traded them all? I'm looking for some pekins and I'm local to you. I have a big place with two ponds, so the mess isn't an issue. I was about to get ducklings again, but I wouldn't mind acquiring older stock, particularly if you have POL birds.

I just traded them today for a spotted donkey! LOL.

Never ate a spotted donkey!