Kelley Creek Farms
  • Kelley Creek Farms Boarding Kennel
  • Rates
  • Farm Photos
  • Our dogs
  • About Us / Contact Us

A Secret

11/19/2013

 
I admit it. I've kept something from you for far too long. 

I don't like keeping secrets. You guys are special!
And you like dogs and chickens and growing things...
welsh harlequin ducks
So tell me, which one of these waterfowl is different? 
Which one is not like the others?

There are some of you out there that know the answer. I'm sure of it.

So come on and chime in!


It's this one.
Picture
Did you get it right? . 
This little jewel showed up one morning around dawn a couple weeks back. She's a muscovy duck. See the carnucles on her face? They fly very well, so she came and went until... 
She discovered everyone else being fed and waddled up the lawn to the feed dishes and wagged her butt in delight.  
I love her...she has a quirky personality, and the ripple pattern is mesmerizing.

See?
Picture
Muscovys, unlike other duck species, have no genetic influence by the great granddaddy of all other ducks…the mallard. Muscovy are their own species.

Even more interesting: they do not quack. Muscovy communicate with one another by wagging their tails and raising and lowering their heads. Males make a raspy hissing noise. Many people like this trait since they are “quiet” ducks. They are excellent fliers and will roost in trees or on buildings if given the chance.

Mature males (known as drakes) will weigh anywhere from 12 to 15 pounds. The females (known as ducks) weigh a little less-- 8 to 10 pounds. Both sexes have what is known as a “caruncle” on their head.

It is said that muscovy eggs are delicious and are used in many dishes prepared by individuals or by famous cooks. Their taste is rich and they are considered a delicacy.
(I've personally never tried a muscovy egg, but if she lays one, I'll let you know what I think!)

Another interesting fact is that muscovy meat is one of the healthiest meats on the market today, being 98% or greater fat free. I've heard the muscovy meat compared to veal. It is much leaner than mallard derived ducks.

Picture
I think she needs a name. Any suggestions?
Amy Balog link
11/19/2013 02:32:46 am

I love scovies! We have one that is an incessant broody. Never actually hatched anything though. I don't use her eggs- they are so thick and gelatinous it just creeps me out. Definitely not like other duck eggs. She also likes to fly over the garden and freak out the chickens.

Aspen link
11/19/2013 02:54:20 am

I just adore my Muscovies! I have six of them, and they are all the sweetest ducks. My Scovies are named Hershey, Dawn, Maggie, then the other three do not have names. I'd say your girl looks like a Ripple. ; )

Have fun with her!

Blessings - ~ Aspen

~Kim
11/19/2013 04:49:51 am

Love it! I could call her Ripple *lol*

Kellie
11/19/2013 07:12:18 am

Muscovy(sp?) are prolific breeders in the retention ponds in Florida - we had some in the pond behind our house. One was a female we named half-beak. How does a duck survive with half a lower beak gone? Don't know but she did and ran any other girls off. There was just her a always a handful of boys around.

~Kim
11/19/2013 07:45:09 am

I've heard they are very hearty survivalists and are native to the jungles of South America!

Dana Kee link
11/20/2013 11:44:22 am

that's one pretty 'scovy girl! You know how I feel about my 30 or so Muscovy... love love love them! I'm so glad she found you. In the spring she might just hatch out 20 or so aaaaaaadorable babies and parade them all around your pond ;)

Diane Hutson
12/15/2013 09:15:40 pm

I think the perfect name for your little Muscovy would be "RUBY" because of the lovely ruby color on her face. Other good names for her would be Rouge or Blush


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Kelley Creek Farms is a small (micro really) hobby farm located in Central Alabama 30 minutes south of Birmingham. We raise heritage and rare waterfowl and poultry along with a myriad of other creatures that give the farm its life. In addition to the birds, we raise heirloom tomatoes and vegetables.

    Each day is different and brings a new set of adventures. Some make you laugh and some make you cry. Some are just plain frustrating. But we persevere knowing that tomorrow's set of problems will be completely different than today. Still figuring all this out ....one day at a time and striving for a more sustainable way of life.

    ALL

    All
    Chickens
    Dexter Cattle
    Dogs
    Dorkings
    Ducks
    English Shepherd
    Entertainment
    Farm Visits
    Garden
    Geese
    Homesteading
    Kitchen
    Local Food
    Potatoes

    Archives

    January 2015
    December 2014
    June 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.