How Water-Loving are Mallards?

[ShrekDawg]

Muscovy are genus cairina which is classification of duck (meat) where mallards are anas also known as dabbling ducks.

My Muscovies spend time in the water, but not near as much time as my mallard derived. I don't notice a difference between my mallard derived breeds as they tend to all stick together. 4 breeds 24 birds:No actual mallards.

So scientifically they’re classified as ducks? Interesting!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

The Cambridge Dictionary's definition of a duck: "a bird that lives by water and has webbed feet (= feet with skin between the toes), a short neck, and a large beak".

Now do both Muscovy and mallard derived breeds fit that description? Technically yes, which is why they both are both classified in the genus Cairina. However, the very definition of a duck is broad enough to leave quite a bit of room for some genetic diversity which is where the Muscovy comes in whose actual DNA is closer to that of a goose. There actually was a case where a Muscovy caught a goose specific variant of Parvo.

 

[robbyvg]

Ducks are waterfowl.
Water is their thing.
No matter what breed - they will love the water.

Did you read my actual question? Yes, ducks are waterfowl (feeling like I am in kindergarten here). However, some breeds descended from mallards are fine with one little swim a day so they can preen. Others, like Cayugas, love spending most of their time playing in the water vigorously.

Is it hard to understand why I would need to know how water-enthusiastic domesticated mallards are? Especially considering I have 8 of them on the way?

 

[robbyvg]

I get where Robby is coming from though. He(?) has raised multiple different breeds and was wondering about variations between the various mallard-derived breeds. Since he(?) had noticed that his Cayugas were quicker to the water than the Pekins, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to wonder where true Mallards would fall in the spectrum of water loving breeds. People always ask which mallard-derived breeds are the quietest or friendliest or the most proficient at egg-laying. Why not ask who loves the water the most? I mean, clearly all the mallard derived sorts would rate water 10 out of 10, but there’s nothing wrong with wondering about small variations between the different breeds. OP, you will have to let us know once you receive your new little ones! Also, please share pictures

Thank you so much, Daphne.

It can be difficult to find specific information like this online these days - that's why I like this forum. A little less so seeing the comments to my simple question, but its still the best resource I have. People like you give me hope for information and understanding. I appreciate your input and you definitely worded it much better than I did. I will let you know and when I get a decent camera (couple weeks) I will have photos galore! I will also let you know how Mallards are with water compared to other breeds I have raised.

 

[robbyvg]

I can't say if they love it more than Cayuga's because I have never owned Cayuga's, but my Mallard was always in the water if the stock tanks and pools were open. However, I think it's both biology+personality that factor into how much and what a duck fancies.

Thank you! Very informative and I appreciate hearing (reading) this.

 

[robbyvg]

I would expect mallards to take to the water more quickly than the more “domesticated” breeds. I can’t say that I can provide any studies to that effect, but it seems logical that a breed that is closer to its natural state would behave the way it would in the wild, and water means both safety and food to a wild mallard. Domesticated mallard-derived breeds have been bred to the point where they, to some degree, probably know they can sit around their nice safe coops and duck houses and be fed. That’s my guess, at least

That is very informative, actually and gives me something to think about. Makes a lot of sense.

 

[GranderTheGander]

Did you read my actual question? Yes, ducks are waterfowl (feeling like I am in kindergarten here). However, some breeds descended from mallards are fine with one little swim a day so they can preen. Others, like Cayugas, love spending most of their time playing in the water vigorously.

Is it hard to understand why I would need to know how water-enthusiastic domesticated mallards are? Especially considering I have 8 of them on the way?

Not trying to start a conflict here, but I don't think there was anything hostile about raingarden's comment. I thought your question may have been a trick one, too. All ducks, except for the Muscovy . . . and I'm not getting into their genetics . . . are derived from the mallard. Ducks are waterfowl and mallards are the most well known ducks. Most people see them floating on water, not standing on land.

If you purchase them, then they are not "wild", unless illegally sold. Thus, how much "domestic mallards" like the water, compared to other domestic ducks, may depend on how brave they feel about swimming in the water presented to them, at least when they are young. They have no mother to take them right into the water after they hatch, and make them feel secure in it, because she is there to protect and teach them. Instinct wise, though, they should love water and feel safer and happier in it than on land.

 

[robbyvg]

Not trying to start a conflict here, but I don't think there was anything hostile about raingarden's comment. I thought your question may have been a trick one, too. All ducks, except for the Muscovy . . . and I'm not getting into their genetics . . . are derived from the mallard. Ducks are waterfowl and mallards are the most well known ducks. Most people see them floating on water, not standing on land.

There is no conflict. I asked a simple question is all. It appears you do not understand the question either and believe all mallard-derived duck breeds are the same. That's not how it is. I was reaching out to people who would know and be willing to answer a serious question instead of receiving sarcasm as opposed to engagement.

If you purchase them, then they are not "wild", unless illegally sold. Thus, how much "domestic mallards" like the water, compared to other domestic ducks, may depend on how brave they feel about swimming in the water presented to them, at least when they are young. They have no mother to take them right into the water after they hatch, and make them feel secure in it, because she is there to protect and teach them. Instinct wise, though, they should love water and feel safer and happier in it than on land.

I never said they were "wild". Where are you coming from? This does not address anything to do with specific breeds that descend from mallards. Many of you make it sound like ducks are ducks and there's nothing else. I am trying to delve deeper and find information to help my new ducklings.

If you are of the opinion that ducks are waterfowl therefore they all love water the same, please do not post on this thread. You have no info I could want. I want real information from open-minded and knowledgeable people.

I am not trying to be offensive at all. If you can't seriously engage with the OP and opt instead to find things wrong with the question or OP as opposed to engaging in discussion of information and ideas... please do not respond to my threads. Thank you.

 

[robbyvg]

So, can we get back to the OP? I have gotten some great ideas and feedback and some useless, sarcastic feedback.

Anyone here raise domesticated Mallards as well as many other breeds? How do domesticated mallards react to the water (and how young/quickly) as opposed to Cayugas? To Pekins? To Blue Swedes? To Rouens?

They all have different foraging levels, broodiness levels, alertness levels - many websites and posts quantify those ideas.... why is it so crazy to ask how the different mallard-derived breeds respond to their MAIN THING: Water? Yes, I know - they love it. All ducks do. Yes. They are all Waterfowl. I freakin' get it.

I'm asking for breed specific characteristics. That is all.

If you simply raise ducks for meat and/or eggs I don't want your opinion.

If you care about ducks and are interested in the different breeds as well as recognizing differences between them... I would love your feedback.

 

[cavemanrich]

robbyvg​

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