On the Farm 01.13.08
One of our handsome Muscovy drakes. All of the ducks walk around with mudballs on top of their beaks, a consequence of their rummaging through the cows' bedding pack. They clean themselves up either in the creek, or in a dishpan of water I set out in the chicken coop.
posted by sugarcreekfarm at Sunday, January 13, 2008
8 Comments:
Wow, those are some good looking ducks! I know all about chickens, but am clueless about ducks--do the females lay eggs regularly like chickens do?
Wow! You have been a busy girl lately!! But you still have time to share your beautiful farm photos with us. Thank you for that!
In answer to Meg's question. Yes Muscovy ducks will lay just about an egg a day if you collect them. If you leave them they will stop laying when they think they have "enough" to hatch. I use the Muscovy eggs in baking but alot use them just like chicken eggs. For fresh eating I prefer chicken or turkey eggs as the Muscovy eggs have more of an "eggy" taste.Also Muscovy ducks are not "water" ducks so they are not as greasy when roasted. They also are much more into people making them a wonderful addition to the farm. My 2 cents :D
Patti, thanks for the info. My husband and I have tossed around the idea of getting a few ducks eventually, but we haven't done any real research at all yet. Now we will definitely put these guys on the list.
Meg - yes, my ducks lay a lot of eggs in the spring/summer/fall. Mine have never layed in the winter. My ducks never seem as friendly as Patti's (I got my starting duck flock from Patti!). I think because they have the creek to escape to. I'm trying to figure out a way to actually manage them and get a few butchered and sold. But even if we don't they are useful as cleaner-uppers. They're great to run with the cattle.
farm mom - yes busy, but the good kind of busy!
patti - thanks for being the resident duck expert :) I do love my ducks, so glad you got me started with them!
"Mudbeak" ducks...not muscovy ducks! hehehe
I've never been drawn to ducks, but through your Blog am seeing their potential.
How are they against predators such as hawks?
twinville - because I don't have a good setup for my ducks, I'm not sure how many I lose to predators. Matt saw a bald eagle swooping down, trying to pick one off the creek one day. He said it tried about 3 times but failed. They don't move very fast, so I'm sure I lose some. They served Muscovy duck at the PFI conference last weekend. It was the first time I'd had it, and I thought it was quite tasty.
I've been trying to find a place to get Muscovy ducks. I've heard they're fantastic fly control and don't need water as other ducks do. Do you ship, Patti? lol
Sarah
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