muscovy... OMG it hurts

[rainplace]

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It's not like regular duck at all. Not greasy. More like venison tenderloin. Very yummy.

Oh.. that does sound yummy! I was wondering more about his age though, 3 years.

L0rraine. I wanted something around to incubate for me in case my runners don't do it. I have three female runners I'm breeding from in the spring and wanted to have something just in case.

 

[lauralou]

I'm not sure about the age and tenderness thing. The drake I ate was almost a year old. We skinned him out and soaked the meat in brine for 24 hours, then marinated and cooked it on the grill. It was quite tender. But my husband is the Grill Master, and everything he grills comes out great. Definitely don't overcook it, that always makes the meat a little tough. The crock pot is another option.

Maybe if you started a separate thread, in the Meat Birds section, you'd get more help than I can give.

 

[rainplace]

I thought I'd give an update.

The drake is one ugly dude. He and his girlfriend did not go flying after my other ducks with their claws forward, tearing them to shreds as I had feared. Nope, nothing of sort. Instead they seem to be pretty docile, and much more friendly than my other ducks. I look and Mr. Muscovy Drake, and can't get past his carunkles... well until he wags that huge tail of his. CUTEST THING EVER. He's still filthy and still looks edible, but I don't think I could do it. He's like an ugly fat little doggie that I'm falling for. /sigh

My hand is healing up. I kept it moist and clean until this morning. At one point it started looking like it might get infected, but I washed it real good again and my body did the rest. This morning I decided to let it dry out and now it's itching. So I guess it's pretty much over.

 

[PortageGirl]

Muscovy duck is VERY edible. Our family is VERY Polish. (yeah, a weird way to put it, but we were raised with many of the traditions, cooking and language) Muscovy is the "duck of choice" for roasting and yes, Czernina. If you know what that is, good on ya! I admit to having drifted away from making it over the years, but this thread is making me think I should try again. Thing is, the farm we used to get the ingredients from has shut down, so I'd have to go looking for a new source.

I'm considering getting some Muscovys now though... hmmmm. We have the perfect land for em really, just don't have good housing ATM.

 

[Le Canard de Barbarie]

Quote:
So, looks like you will be raising muscovy ducklings in the spring. They are pretty tasty at twelve weeks of age. The mothering ability of the muscovy hen can quite interesting to watch.

They are the least excitable of all my ducks that include pekins, wild mallards and muscovies. The pekins will stampede if excited, and frequently wake me up in the middle of the night. When I go out to investigate, the LGD and muscovies are still sleeping.

 

[L0rraine]

I'm delighted to hear that they are winning you over. That's what sort of what I expected might happen.

Can hardly wait until we finally get pics of all your new guys. Santa needs to be dropping a wee digital camera down your chimney this Christmas.

 

[abluechipstock]

i remember those muscovy claws LOL! that's why they are able to perch so well

 

[floridamama]

Yeah boy those claws can get you. WE have had to relocate some for a retirement trailer park they had a 1/2 acre pond and 45 ducks. Needless to say we caught about 10 and friends went back out with a boat and got the rest. They can get you with those claws and the weight behind them is what makes it smart so bad. I had one slice me right across the palm of the hand when I went to scoop up and grab the legs and it was a little bit fast and got me. I learned next time pen them to the ground then grab legs so they dig the ground and not me.

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
So, looks like you will be raising muscovy ducklings in the spring. They are pretty tasty at twelve weeks of age. The mothering ability of the muscovy hen can quite interesting to watch.

They are the least excitable of all my ducks that include pekins, wild mallards and muscovies. The pekins will stampede if excited, and frequently wake me up in the middle of the night. When I go out to investigate, the LGD and muscovies are still sleeping.

That thought crossed my mind, but I don't think I can do another type of bird right now. I'm focusing on my black flock, runners, bei's, and silkies. I'm going to try to find the drake a good home. He's just one drake too many at the moment. When I break everyone into breeding pens, I'll have my two backup drakes in with the egg layers and geese. That's two boys to five girls (including Miss Muscovy), a goose and a gander. Miss Muscovy will hopefully set some runner eggs for me, leaving two boys to four girls.

It's really too bad. As ugly as I think he is, I find him amazing to watch. I'm in awe of his strength. His wing span is impressive. His demeanor makes me almost want to scoop him up and snuggle with him.

Gah, while I was writing this I stepped outside to smoke and saw him bathe. It looks like the poor guy has wet feather. He's not getting near his oil gland though he is trying to preen. He's shivering. Crud... does this mean I need to bring him in?

 

[Le Canard de Barbarie]

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No, they alway look like drenched rats after bathing.