Muscovy, the underground black market duck.. a rant

[DUCKGIRL89]

I wish I would have gotten muscovys. They are such neat birds. Im totally kicking myself in the butt now for not getting that pair

 

[ksj0225]

I don't really see a shortage of muscovys...

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Hubby wanted the Scovy's we have, glad we hatched them they are very friendly and cute.

 

[iajewel]

I don't think there is a shortage of them now. They reproduce like rabbits LOL. I do think we all need to keep watch, as they are the only targeted duck breed in the US, and we all know how the Dept of Ag loves to play paper games. Im not worried about them yet, Im concerned as they are one breed hatcheries don't normally support as they do other breeds. Hatcheries are a main player in the numbers game here in the US.

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

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X2 but you never know. They may actually do something about it. And then we will all be outlaws

 

[hossfeathers]

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Well, I'm pretty sure that the reason the hatcheries don't sell them has more to do with the high loss rate, than any plan to doom the breed to oblivion.

I'm not that concerned about Muscovies in the USA - and not just because I've got 4. They really do breed like (loveable, pretty) rats in Florida. Any bird that can sit on 20 eggs and reliably hatch out 21 ducklings - and do it 3 times a year - will be be a going concern for years to come.

(This is not to say that I would not like a Muscovy club...more power to you!)

 

[iajewel]

I think a club would be good for the protection of the breed as well as to keep track of all these colors people keep telling me we don't have. Like the chocolates in Australia that aren't supposed to be there and the bronze in the US I know we have, as well as the new burgundy mutation. A club is defiantly needed.

 

[lovesduckies]

Omg is this why my drake is acting up!? Poor guy knows he's a rebel.

 

[duckyfromoz]

If the worst happens....all you scovie lovers will just have to relocate out here in Australia where any breed of duck is more than welcome to live out their days any way they can..

 

[jdywntr]

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I have to disagree. Having grown up in Florida and living here again now there is a HUGE difference in the number of feral Muscovy. I am living in the house that I grew up in and 15-20 years ago, Muscovy were everywhere. Now, I occassionally see one or two but not for long. There is a pond up the street and there were 3 there a year ago, I saw 2 about 1 month ago and have not seen any since. These were very large birds so I don't see that they flew anywhere.

Believe me, at least in my area, the state is doing a great job of quietly disposing of feral Muscovy.

That they are considered "invasive" is odd in a bird that can migrate (I think). There are obviously some released muscovy here as I have seen chocolate muscovy in other parts of the county. The worst part in FL is that since they are "invasive" anyone can kill a muscovy as long as it is done "humanely".