Ducks breed profile
Muscovy
- Heritage meat / pest control
- South America
- medium
- Temperament: calm
- Heritage
Muscovy is the quietest duck breed — genuinely silent compared to typical ducks, an excellent forager (including fly control), and produces lean meat. Strong fit for homesteads where noise is a constraint.
Handler safety note
Genuinely quiet — Muscovies hiss rather than quack. GANDERS (drakes) can be aggressive — like ganders in geese, they can bite hard and chase children. Drake aggression is a real consideration.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
6–8 lbs
Male weight
10–15 lbs
Eggs/year
100
Egg color
cream
Reproductive traits
Gestation
35 days
Seasonality
seasonal
Maternal
excellent
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
excellent
Heat tolerance
excellent
Cold hardiness
fair
Humidity tolerance
excellent
Common health concerns
- Drake aggression with children
- Cold-tender feet — protection in northern winters
Management requirements
Experience
beginner friendly
Housing
basic shelter
Fencing
standard
Feed system
pasture, grain supplement
Market access
Commercial market
fair
Direct-market appeal
excellent
Premium potential
Yes
Lean meat reputation drives premium restaurant demand. Excellent fly-control auxiliary on small farms.