Hybrid question

[Heyitsme]

Hey Guys, I have a quick question. I have a female muscovy and a male ancona duck and was wondering, if they reproduce will the offspring be able to fly? Thanks =]

 

[Kevin565]

. That's a good question. Depending upon how large they got they may be able to fly at a young age. Once mature I would think they would probably be too large to fly especially the males.

 

[Heyitsme]

Thanks!

Thats go to know, at what age do young usually start flying, and what age do they usually stop?

 

[Kevin565]

I'm not sure anyone can give you a definitive answer on that one. When dealing with Hybrids a lot of things will vary. I've never personally heard of a Ancona X Muscovy cross but it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

 

[Heyitsme]

Oh okay cool, thanks for the info!

 

[Kevin565]

It's no problem at all.If you don't mind me asking what do you plan on doing with offspring? Are they just going to be pets or are you breeding for meat birds?

 

[jdywntr]

In muscovy crosses if it is a muscovy hen and a mallard derived drake, the offspring will differ in size and the male offspring will be the size of the father but should not grow to the size of a muscovy drake.

I would say that the ducklings would have a good chance of flying as they will get some characteristics of the muscovy but will not get to the size of muscovy drakes.

On a side note, the offspring will be sterile.

 

[Heyitsme]

@Kevin- I dont eat my ducks, they are strictly pets.
@jdywntr- Good to know, i'll have to be sure to fly-proof my duck pen in the spring!

 

[Kevin565]

Oh that's good. Sounds like everything should work out fine. I don't personally eat my ducks either but I do try to keep a open mind on here when it comes to meat birds.

 

[bemba]

The females will be able to fly very well, males not well at all! Also the girls will lay you eggs (although they cannot hatch) they are called hinnies too, the other way around (Muscovy father) and they are called Mules or Moulards. I have some Ancona cross Muscovy hinnies right now, they are very pretty ducks!