The ducks

A little about Muscovy ducks

Most of our ducks are Muscovies, and finding them around here was incredibly hard. I wanted them to help with ticks on the property. We have protected woods, and the deer like to graze our backyard. Lovely to look at. The ticks they can bring along? Not so lovely.

Since having the Muscovies alongside our guinea fowl, it’s rare that we see a tick now. That’s our experience here, not a promise that a few ducks will make anybody’s yard tick-free. I’m grateful for the difference we’ve noticed, but I am not out there conducting a scientific study between chores.

How do you pronounce Muscovy?

It’s pronounced MUSS-kuh-vee, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Three syllables, one very distinctive duck.

Do Muscovy ducks eat ticks?

Muscovies are active foragers that eat insects along with plants, seeds, and other foods. But eating insects is not the same as proven tick control. There isn’t enough evidence to recommend Muscovies as a reliable way to control ticks, and guinea fowl are not a guaranteed solution either.

We still need to take tick prevention seriously: check people and pets after time outdoors, use appropriate repellents, and keep up with vet-recommended protection for our animals. Rare is not the same as never.

What makes a Muscovy different from other ducks?

Muscovies are their own species, Cairina moschata, rather than one of the domestic breeds descended from mallards. They’re native to the Americas and were domesticated in Latin America. Those red, bumpy patches around their faces are called caruncles. A very fancy word for a face you’re not going to mistake for anybody else’s.

What colors do Muscovy ducks come in?

Domestic Muscovies come in a range of colors and patterns, including white, black, chocolate-brown, and blue-gray, often with white patches. “Blue” here means a muted gray-blue feather color, not a bright blue duck. Our ducks have plenty of variety.

Do Muscovy ducks quack?

They’re generally quieter than many other ducks. Males often hiss, while females make softer calls. Quiet does not mean silent, but they don’t usually come with the same loud quack people expect from a duck.

Can Muscovy ducks fly?

Yes, Muscovies can fly and perch. But being able to fly doesn’t mean they’re all looking for an exit. They’re intelligent ducks, and in my experience, training and trust help them learn where home is.

I have over 15 Muscovies with access to our entire property, and not a single one has flown, fled, or escaped. They know where home is — which is more than I can say for myself when I walk into the garage and forget what I went in there for.

That’s our flock’s experience, not a guarantee for every duck. Their ability to fly still matters when planning safe housing and fencing, and knowing where home is doesn’t protect them from predators.

What do Muscovy ducks need on a farm?

Foraging is a bonus, not a complete meal plan. They still need balanced feed suited to their age, clean drinking water deep enough to dip their bills and clean their nostrils, dry shelter, and protection from predators. A pond isn’t essential, but fresh water and regular cleaning are. Keep an eye on their health, and ask a poultry veterinarian or local Extension service for advice that fits your flock.