what does it mean when a muscovy hisses?

[ducks_rcool329]

the ducks have more of a " scratchy quack" of normal male ducks, but there is a difference between them talking and hissing. If its aggressive, it will hiss, stuck its feathers up, and put its head down low and spread its wings a little, trust me, you will know if it's upset with you.

 

[desertdarlene]

Quote:
I agree with this. I've seen very excited and happy male muscovies just puff air in and out and make soft hissing noises. But, if they're serious and angry, they will let out a louder, longer open mouthed hiss.

 

[jc_d1]

FeatheredObsessions has a point on ppl interpreting what you mean by hissing differently I've a momma duck that hisses at me relentlessly and it's definitely not friendly; but some people do describe the talking as 'huffy' or 'hissing'


Bleenie you mention ducks will get hissy out of fear if brooding/raising young - how long does this go on for? We bought an adult pair and 5 of their ducklings; one of the ducklings is completely feathered now so I don't imagine the others are far behind but momma duck still hisses everytime I come near....Is this normal or is she just an aggressive duck? Will the ducklings learn to be unfriendly as well? :/ Thanks

 

[DogsDucks&Cat]

From everything I've read, hissing is how they talk. My Muscovy drake hisses ALL the time, and while we have had some aggression issues with him, you can tell the difference between his aggressive hiss and his normal, "talking" hiss. He used to make the chirping sounds when he was younger but it was replaced by hissing.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hissing when they have babies is their warning they don't want you messing with their charges. Letting a mama hatch and raise their ducklings isn't going to let you get as close to them as if you hatched and raised them but What a joy to watch mamas and babes together. Eventually if you really work at it with patience they will eat out of your hand, My Muscovy's were all raised by their mamas all but my drake and they all will eat out of my hand. Start while they are still with mama I find meal worms is the best treat for training. Some use frozen thawed peas too.