Breed Spotlight: Muscovy Ducks
by Kara F
Published February 13, 2024
In this breed spotlight, we’re discussing a dual-purpose homesteader’s favorite: the Muscovy. While most duck breeds can trace their ancestry back to mallards, Muscovy ducks are unique because they are the only ducks in the APA Standard that do not originate from mallards. Despite being labeled as ducks, Muscovies possess several distinctive traits that set them apart. Their large bodies, flight capability, quiet vocalizations, caruncles on their faces, roosting habits, and non-greasy meat make them a practical and endearing waterfowl addition to any homestead.
History and Origin
The origin of the Muscovy duck sparks some debate. The term ‘Muscovy’ is derived from the Russian word for a region surrounding Moscow. However, the Muscovy duck did not originate in Russia. They were first observed in Western Europe in the late 16th century and are believed to have been traded in England and France by the ‘Muscovite Company’ or ‘Muscovy Company,’ possibly leading to the name.
Wild Muscovy ducks can be found in regions like New Zealand, Australia, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as the Americas, with populations in Mexico, South American countries, and even some in the southern United States, including Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Hawaii, and as far north as Massachusetts and Southern Canada.
While wild Muscovy ducks are confined to specific regions, domesticated versions have comfortably adapted to various climates, thriving in temperatures ranging from tropical to as cold as 10°F in places like Texas and Alaska.
Characteristics and Personalities
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Muscovy is the caruncles on its face – a quick and easy identifier compared to other waterfowl. Muscovies come in various colors, including black, white, blue, chocolate, pied, green, lavender, bronze, barred, and rippled.
Known for their calm and friendly nature, Muscovy ducks make excellent pets. They exhibit quiet behavior, with distinctive vocalizations often described as similar to a goose’s hissing. Drakes have a low breathy call, while hens produce a high cooing sound. With long claws, a wide flat tail, and the ability to fly and roost in trees, they efficiently forage and contribute to pest control by consuming flies, ticks, mosquitoes, insects, and some rodents. Domesticated Muscovy ducks have long life spans, ranging from 8-12 years and potentially up to 20 years in captivity.
Size and Meat
Muscovy ducks are large, with males being among the largest North American ducks, boasting a wingspan of up to 64 inches and a weight of up to 15 lbs. Females are considerably smaller at 6-7 lbs. Typically butchered between 12 and 16 weeks, males can reach about 4-6 lbs by 16 weeks of age. Their meat is described as exceptionally lean, flavorful, and non-greasy.
Eggs and Reproduction
Muscovy ducks typically mature between 28 and 29 weeks old and then lay 100-150 eggs annually. Their eggs are similar to other duck eggs in size and richness. If you want to hatch them, Muscovy eggs do have a longer incubation period compared to other duck varieties, taking about 35 days to hatch. Unique among domestic breeds, Muscovy ducks will nest, brood, and raise their young up to 10-12 weeks old, and they have been known to adopt other breeds’ eggs and ducklings too. Even the drakes will stay with the young for several weeks. Not descending from mallards, if a Muscovy crosses with a mallard-descended domestic duck, they create a sterile hybrid known as a mule duck that will not be able to reproduce.
In conclusion, Muscovy ducks prove to be a stellar dual-purpose option for homesteaders, combining unique characteristics, versatile contributions, and a rich history that spans continents and centuries. Whether for companionship, high meat yield, or pest control, Muscovy ducks are valuable allies in the homesteading journey. If you’re seeking a hardy, friendly, dual-purpose duck, Muscovies are worth considering! Meyer Hatchery carries Black Muscovy, White Muscovy, and Assorted Muscovy Day Old Ducklings!
Do you have any experience with Muscovies? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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I am in love with mascovey ducks. I have a flock of 50 and 8 hens sitting on eggs.
Thank you for taking the time to comment! They are one of my favorites, too. Such unique birds!
When we first started ducking, lol, I had never even heard of a Muscovy. My sister in law gave me a baby Pekin and we went to a flea market to get her a friend. When we got there, the first vendor, jerked a huge duck out of the enclosure by it’s wing. Then another by it’s neck. I, being the animal lover and respectful of all things nature person that I am, slapped my hand over my mouth and told my husband “omg I’m about to go to jail.” He said please don’t do that. So, I looked at the man selling the ducks, and said “I want that one and that one and that one”. 🤷🏻♀️ Would’ve been cheaper to pay bail, and court costs, and a lawyer….but no where near as fulfilling and entertaining. When we left from the horrible market, we not only had 1 beautiful Pekin for my baby a friend, we also had about 10 other ducks, and 7 chickens. 🥰😆. We would’ve had more if the husband wouldn’t have said no no no and got in the truck. I had no idea what kind of ducks we had, I was randomly just pointing to save as many as I could. When we got home, we had to put some lots and housing together real quick, then we started trying to figure out what we had. We ended up with 3 khaki Campbell’s (2drakes, 1 hen), a blue swedish hen(who just passed away 2 days ago😭), 4 Muscovies(1 drake, 3 hens), and the one Pekin hen. I started researching the breeds, and started learning our ducks personalities. It is still a learning experience almost 4 years later, but I have to say, I absolutely LOVE Muscovies! Our flock now is all Muscovies, about 25, 1 poor Indian runner drake whose partner in crime was the blue swedish we just lost, and the very first Pekin we got, but she is a house duck, so she doesnt really count towards the flock number. I love all breeds of all animals, and have always just taken in whatever needed a home at the time, and never cared what breed, or even species, they were, but the Muscovy clan has definitely been an absolute fave. They are so beautiful, and great nesters, great sitters, and great momma’s. They do seem to poop more than other ducks, for some reason, but they make up for it with all the big ole waddling, waggling booties. They are just amazing creatures and I’m so glad I have been able to have them as part of the flock. They all have such personality and so much attitude! I love to see them in the chicken coop on the perches with the chickens, flying across the yard, swimming in the creek, bathing in their pool, running to the front door everytime somebody goes near it, and I absolutely love to walk outside and head to the coop and have a bunch of em following me. Their colors are so beautiful. One hen, the main duck in charge, is white with black feathers on her wings and tail. When the sun hits her feathers, they will shine blue, purple or green. We mostly have chocolate and white, and silver. The chocolate and white ones, also have green hues in their wings and tail. And I’ve never seen a more beautiful shade of silver in my life. Some people think they are ugly and mean, but those people are jerks. Muscovies are absolutely beautiful and wonderful to have around. I love to see them. They always make me smile. Thank you for the article on Muscovies. Sorry this is so long, but they are such a joy to have around. 🥰❤️🐓🐣🦆🦆🦆🦢🦃
Thank you for taking the time to comment! We love hearing stories of how people got started. It sounds like you have a beautiful flock! Muscovies truly are such a unique breed.
They are indeed lovely and friendly ducks. They look at you in your eyes when you talk to them. They shake their tails and smile. I love having them around. I also try to protect them as much as I can.
Some friends moved out of state and I took a pair of muscovies for them. I had geese and ducks before and had said no more, but I did it as a favor.
These ducks are different, they are quiet, they’re great moms, they get along with a group of different animals. I have about 12 now. I can’t have 2 males together, so all girls and the original dad.
They are definitely unique waterfowl. How kind of you to help out your friends. I’m glad it’s worked out for you!