What are they??

[jonhpdx]

Really? I really don't think they're good-looking ducks. The Mallard-based breeds are the most attractive IMO.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Adorable Muscovy Ducklings!

~ Aspen

 

[desertdarlene]

Really? I really don't think they're good-looking ducks. The Mallard-based breeds are the most attractive IMO.

Not everyone chooses a breed for looks, some choose some for more practical reasons.

 

[jonhpdx]

Not everyone chooses a breed for looks, some choose some for more practical reasons.

What's the difference between a Pekin and a Muscovy in terms of being raised for meat/eggs? They seem to have similar feed conversions, similar growth rates, similar egg production... If it's all so similar, I'd rather have a more attractive breed than a less attractive one. Now again, it's my personal opinion but still, there are other birds out there with very similar traits to Muscovies without actually being Muscovies.

 

[desertdarlene]

Muscovy meat tastes different than Pekin meat. Also, Muscovies are very quiet, which makes them a good urban farm duck. They lay a lot of eggs and are often great broodies and mothers, unlike Pekins which can be hit or miss when it comes to breeding. Muscovies are also very hardy and less prone to leg injuries and other issues that are common in Pekins.

 

[BearSpringsFarm]

Thanks for all of the input - if you are right and they are muscovies I will be one happy camper (I always thought that if I ever got ducks I wanted muscovies)- does the color of the duckling give away what the color of the adult will be and how long does it take for them to start feathering out? Any suggestions would be appreciated because these are our first ducks!

 

[Oel99]

I raised some muscovies once and I thought they acted more like a goose than a duck. They seem to bond with you more. They would follow me around. And when they got grown they would coming flying thru the air to me at feeding time.

 

[Going Quackers]

Muscovy meat tastes different than Pekin meat. Also, Muscovies are very quiet, which makes them a good urban farm duck. They lay a lot of eggs and are often great broodies and mothers, unlike Pekins which can be hit or miss when it comes to breeding. Muscovies are also very hardy and less prone to leg injuries and other issues that are common in Pekins.

Yes, i have heard there meat is considered tops in the duck world. They are also well documented for there pest control, I like pekins but there no Muscovy, they all have different traits.

Here this site has good info on comparing pekin meat to muscovy

http://cottage_rose_birdsnblossoms.webs.com/muscovyducks.htm

 

[Going Quackers]

Thanks for all of the input - if you are right and they are muscovies I will be one happy camper (I always thought that if I ever got ducks I wanted muscovies)- does the color of the duckling give away what the color of the adult will be and how long does it take for them to start feathering out? Any suggestions would be appreciated because these are our first ducks!

My latest batch is feathering now there 3+wks old. Yes, some can tell by ducklings the colours, i admit i am horrible at it lol. I am leaning towards a blue or lavender for the one in my avatar, he is out of a lavender mama and a black pied drake.

 

[Going Quackers]

I raised some muscovies once and I thought they acted more like a goose than a duck. They seem to bond with you more. They would follow me around. And when they got grown they would coming flying thru the air to me at feeding time.

I've never had geese, so i cannot compare but they are often said to be closer related to geese than ducks. Some won't even call them ducks lol