Incredible isn’t it? My little ducklings are only 8 weeks old, and now are officially larger than our full grown Magpie ducks. They are larger than our chickens and rooster also.
Funny thing is that they won’t be considered full grown until 12-16 weeks. I know its hard to tell in the photos, but they are huge!
I’ve totally fallen in love with these ducks. Their temperament is gentle and for the most part unafraid. They are calm, sweet as can be and kind of canine like. I’ve heard that before from other Muscovy owners, but it seems to be very true.
One example of their unusual dog traits was the time our chicken Betty came to inspect them (and their food). She
walked into their pen, and they slowly came out of the duck house, wagging their tails and finally sitting in a submissive position, just like a dog that understands an alpha.
Another example is when they are hungry. LOL This always makes me smile:
I’ll come outside in the morning, chickens come running and then I see the large flock of brilliant white ducklings making their way awkwardly towards me too. You see, because they are growing so fast, they aren’t good at balancing all that much. Their feet are large and floppy, and sometimes as they walk, they fall back on their tails. But that doesn’t stop them from coming to me. When they finally arrive, they surround me quietly with mouths wide open. This is their way of telling me that they are starving!
So far they are still quite beautiful, whispering a quiet chirp when they are happy. Sometimes they act like dogs, sometimes they sound like song birds, but most of the time they look like awkward children trying to get their footing to play and romp.
What can I say? I’m in love.
I recommend these ducks to anyone with the itch to keep ducks. They don’t quack, are extremely quiet and friendly…especially if you have a treat for them.
Today, Teresa left a comment for me on another post, asking about where we got our Muscovies. I highly recommend this hatchery if anyone is thinking of getting them:
J.M. Hatchery
Stephen E Horst
Fifth Day Farm, Inc.
202 Oak Lane
Terre Hill, PA 17581
717-445-6255
Email: stephen@jmhatchery.com
Website: www.jmhatchery.com
At this time last year:
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I got my first Freedom Rangers from J.M. Hatchery. Great folks to work with. They sold the FR business to their son/son in law….anyway, I think maybe I’ll have to order some Muskcovies. I can’t believe the growth for 2 months. Last year my Khaki Campbell’s took forever to grow.
Hi Diane,
You’ll definitely love them! 12 weeks to harvest also. Not bad.