Muscovy life span

[Mudbillkisses]

Hi all, I have a few ducks as pets and have raised mostly mallard breeds for 10 yrs now but unfortunately, none have ever lived (for various reasons) beyond 6 yrs. I have two muscovies now who are healthy and hardy and I'd love to know what other's experiences have been with muscovy pets and life expectancy. I've read mixed info on how long they can live, assuming there's no predation. Any feedback or experience with this would be appreciated!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Hi all, I have a few ducks as pets and have raised mostly mallard breeds for 10 yrs now but unfortunately, none have ever lived (for various reasons) beyond 6 yrs. I have two muscovies now who are healthy and hardy and I'd love to know what other's experiences have been with muscovy pets and life expectancy. I've read mixed info on how long they can live, assuming there's no predation. Any feedback or experience with this would be appreciated!

@Miss Lydia has Muscovies and I believe some older ones. She would be a great person to ask.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have 5 Muscovy left out of my flock that started in 2004 my oldest is 14 female my next 3 are just turning 11 and my youngest is 10. The 2 11 yr olds laid and are broody [no eggs though] Can't hatch any more Muscovy drakes been there done that for many years. My youngest laid again this morning and will be broody again. [doesn't take much]lol My drake is still mating his girls and all 5 are very healthy. Love to see some pictures of yours. My oldest Ruth ann, youngest bottom pic is Dolly

 

[Quatie]

They can potentially can live up to 20 years. They are reported to live up to 12 years in the wild. I don't remember who it was, but I remember seeing someone with a Muscovy that was 16 years old

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ruthann has been my longest living one so far. Her drake died one month before he was 12 in 2016 the other 4 are kids of those 2.

 

[Mudbillkisses]

I have 5 Muscovy left out of my flock that started in 2004 my oldest is 14 female my next 3 are just turning 11 and my youngest is 10. The 2 11 yr olds laid and are broody [no eggs though] Can't hatch any more Muscovy drakes been there done that for many years. My youngest laid again this morning and will be broody again. [doesn't take much]lol My drake is still mating his girls and all 5 are very healthy. Love to see some pictures of yours. My oldest Ruth ann, youngest bottom pic is DollyView attachment 3146964View attachment 3146962

Oh wow, thanks for sharing. How cute! I have so enjoyed the muscovy breed (females not so much the drakes)- they're just so sweet and curious I love them so much. I only have 2- Lucy (all white) is 7 and Juniper is 3. This time of year they're so lovey.

 

[Mudbillkisses]

They can potentially can live up to 20 years. They are reported to live up to 12 years in the wild. I don't remember who it was, but I remember seeing someone with a Muscovy that was 16 years old

thanks for sharing! I read up to 20 years also but I wasn't sure how likely that was. I hope mine have long lives ahead. I've loved all my ducks but I have to say my muscovies are such a joy and seem to connect more than other breeds I've had.

 

[Quatie]

thanks for sharing! I read up to 20 years also but I wasn't sure how likely that was. I hope mine have long lives ahead. I've loved all my ducks but I have to say my muscovies are such a joy and seem to connect more than other breeds I've had.

The Muscovy do seem to be more people birds than Mallard derived breeds. They also know how to manipulate better than my other breeds.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Mine beg as good as any dog can. lol they have to have their dog food every morning and will not let me forget it. [They get a good handful of dry dog food as a treat]My females can also catch food in the air. My drake just lets it hit him in the face. But he is the one who comes into the coop every day and keeps me company while I am cleaning and talks every breath.

 

[Quatie]

Mine beg as good as any dog can. lol they have to have their dog food every morning and will not let me forget it. [They get a good handful of dry dog food as a treat]My females can also catch food in the air. My drake just lets it hit him in the face. But he is the one who comes into the coop every day and keeps me company while I am cleaning and talks every breath.

They so beg like dogs . They do puppy dog eyes better than my dogs.

You drake sounds like a sweety! I just got two new really young drakes and I am hoping one will work out good. I would love to have a drake like yours.