Muscovy Ducks are a dual purpose bird.
They are not actually ducks at all.
They are more like a small goose.
But they’re not a goose, either.
They are in a little evolutionary cul-de-sac of their own,
and can’t interbreed with other birds. The few known cases of interbreeding with domestic fowl have resulted in infertile hybrids.
They are very intelligent, and a constant source of
amusement and entertainment, even though they are mute.
They are easily-kept as they don’t need a pond. They are quite happy to play in a paddling pool sized trough, which is much
easier to keep clean and fresh.
They lay the most wonderfully-tasty, creamy-coloured eggs.
We have recently had our first taste of muscovy duck meat, and I have to say that it is absolutely superb.
I think that there will be more baby muscovies in years to come.
Their eggs are fantastic in baking, and great pickled, too !