Raising Muscovy Ducks and Their Behaviors

In my experience, ducks are very social animals. The Muscovy is no exception to this rule. In this video, Ilford, one of our Male Muscovy, and I exchange greetings. Here he demonstrates how social this breed can actually be.
In general, the Muscovy duck will forage for 80% of its food in the proper conditions. In this video, this Muscovy can be seen foraging for food in a field of quack grass.
Music provided under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@mangoKush12]

i live in South Florida and these ducks are everywhere. they're actually really chill animals, they hardly make any noise, you can get super close to them and they just kinda look at you with skepticism, they start wagging their tail when they get excited lol just like dogs. the only time i've seen them get somewhat aggressive (towards each other) is when you feed them. some of them get really big to the point where they look like turkeys

[@bruhmandude555]

yeah but there the most dirtiest ducks i have ever seen

[@jeremylevant]

@@bruhmandude555 how are they dirty?

[@jeremylevant]

And they will hold up traffic and don't give a damn bout you blowing ya horn lol

[@bruhmandude555]

@@jeremylevant get them in water and see how disgusting they get it

[@Arieskie]

@@jeremylevant they can have lice and fleas.

[@EXEcosmoman20]

preening is a sign of affection, he definitly loves you

[@MrSGL21]

i'm raising an abandoned hacthling now, indoors, he/she is very affectionate. they like to climb up on you like that.

[@barneydtr]

That is a very friendly duck. Great personality.

[@JohnTrefethen]

Agreed, It's a male Muscovy and he impressioned on very early. Part of me wonders if he might be looking to mate. Either way, he is showing me affection which is a marvelous trait to behold in our animals.

[@philliphanford2792]

@@JohnTrefethen But how is he not interested in your house, sleeping on the roof, pooping in the walk to your front door. How do you train them to not be a poop nuisance? I thought you would cover that behavior and what you did about it. I have two Muscovys that adopted me 4 days ago and I'm hosing off my deck walkway to the door several times a day. I put a small pool and an igloo dog house away from the house and have tried to get them to hang out there with apples bread and popcorn. They just keep on sunning and roosting on my house and walkway. I don't eat ducks but they are welcome to be pets and eat slugs and whatever if they could just do their poop somewhere else.

[@ezekielshija9251]

@@philliphanford2792 hellow, why don't you eat Muscovy, it is a religious matter or else??

[@philliphanford2792]

@@ezekielshija9251 I just don't look at a duck as food, same as horses, dogs and cats, kind of a pet type animal with affinity and intelligence and worthwhile alive around the farm. It was my way of saying I would not kill them.

[@Gocubs2345]

@@JohnTrefethen can i touch 1?

[@earlenemire1292]

Hello, my name is Earlene. I have Muscovy ducks. One in particular is named Donald. I have had him since he was born. He understands what I say to him. If he goes next door, I will call him and he comes home. I will tell him that he needs a bath and he will go to the kiddy pool and take a bath. Then he likes it when I tell him he is a pretty bird

[@hartford2112]

At work there's (1) Muscovy Duck in a pond. It's Papa Duck i call him. He sees me & he comes running, he'll stand right at my feet. I came to learn don't feed them bread or crackers it has no nutritional value. If it sits the mold can harm a Duck etc. It's best to feed them food like frozen corn,peas or lettuce. Also seeds, oats, rice....I gave Papa Duck my Muscovy buddy today a Walmart bag of frozen corn (80cent) let it defrost some. He loves it & starts wagging his tail hissing sound like he's super happy. Maybe frozen peas defrosted for tomorrow?.....his black green feathers are beautiful....most people aviod him. It's sad because he really shows his love and he's by himself, there's some other wood ducks babies too around, he doesn't bother them. He sits in the shade certain times of the day along the banks of the pond. He has some white birds that hang out with him. I hope people can see how cool Muscovy Ducks really are.

[@TheBirdmon17]

what about bread from refrigerator

[@devilssemblance5938]

The more Muscovy duck videos I watch, the more excited I get about my incoming clutch of hatching eggs. They're bigger than I expected, but it seems that just makes them big babies. Your drake is a beauty, I can't wait to hatch a few out.

[@teesham8013]

Ilbert is gorgeous! We have Muscoveys one of our males Zeb is an indoor duck(person) and we have another male Jax and 4 females outside- the males are way more personable that the females- we used to have 40 on a larger property but now we just have our small flock and they are very much part of the family- if we have friends over, they have to be sitting with everyone being part of the conversation. I love them and cant imagine my life without them now.

[@hollybeldock4596]

We have several in our pond, recently a duckling with a curled foot was being attacked by crows and my neighbor rescued it but with no time or knowledge on caring for ducks gave it to me. With a home made brace I managed to straighten it's foot and now he/she sleeps on my chest, it sustained some injury to it's face and eye and may go blind in that eye but other than that is pretty healthy and happy now.

[@javonaangel]

Awe...your duck reminds me of my Muscovy ducks. They would relax me when they'd gently dance their bill across my skin...😊🌈🌺

[@Trynedge]

Javona Angel It's just "Aw". "Awe" is a sense of wonderment, say, when looking at the Grand Canyon, and is usually descriptive. You wouldn't look at the Grand Canyon and say "Awe", lol. "Awwww" is what you say when something is cute, adorable, or sweet. Hope that makes sense! Not sure why so many people have started using Awe instead of Aw, but together we can right this wrong 😋

[@remasterzoofrombo152]

@@Trynedge all that over someone spelling aw wrong

[@anonymousalien7417]

@@Trynedge Jesus, calm down

[@ba1anse]

it wags its tail like a dog! cute lol

[@JohnTrefethen]

You're absolutely right about that Shawn. The Muscovy is known for having more wag than bark (Wag More Bark Less). In fact, the Muscovy rarely quacks; the drakes hiss. The ducks occasionally quack, but only under extreme stress.

[@djmohglojojo]

I work security in the city park where i live (Houston) and these kinda ducks are ALL OVER the park. Theres one in particular with a crooked tail. Since i see him everyday, i took it upon myself to name him Charles. He even answeres when i call for him and I feed him corn tortillas and grapes from time to time. My question i have is, with having a crooked tail, will he have a hard time flying? Because he chills with the other ducks, but hes alone for the most part. Im worried he wont be able to keep up with the other ducks when they fly away at the end of the season. Please, i need answers. Hes such a cool duck, and id hate for him to get left behind. If youd like to see Charles, ill be uploading a clip of him on my channel. You can see his croked tail and everything.

[@maxcellenasophia8738]

Recently a muscovy duck has adopted me and my household. I live on a very busy street and a creek runs behind our house. During the day, he seems to forage there and at night he comes up and roosts in our tree. I started to feed him some duck food and of course, he shows up in time to eat a bite. I do not know where he came from as there are no more Muscovies in this area that I know of. I am afraid he is going to get hit by a car because people could care less about a duck foraging in East Tn. If I did not have a dog, he probably would come up and greet me on my porch, he is very tame. I really love him, he is beautiful . I think he is a male, and young; however, he does pip at me when he greets me, this duck is quite the entertainer. I enjoyed your video and information about Muscovy ducks.

[@NizzahonMagic]

Great video -- KZbin needs more Muscovies.

[@JohnTrefethen]

Agreed +Nizzahon Magic and I need to build up my flock again.

[@kihntagious]

Where do you live? I have so many behind my house. A sweet girl and 9 babies but not for long.

[@themadatheist1976]

@@kihntagious we have them here in Brandon Florida but they aren't native so people are allowed to kill them. In early May, new management of a business poisoned a small group that was around a lake nature trail people have been feeding and caring for years.

[@kihntagious]

@@themadatheist1976 I'm a not so mad athiest! I'm sorry about the ducks. Darn little is as it was here.

[@Gocubs2345]

@@JohnTrefethen do u sell em?

[@babybluehashyo]

I love how incredibly quiet it is. I love the sound of quacking ducks, but when you have 100 of them and neighbors are getting annoyed with the noise I'm sure it gets old fast. The quiet huffing is perfect for in town.

[@TMS5100]

Your muscovy is so affectionate trying to preen your non existent feathers.

[@aliquando8374]

Yes. He do it.

[@tortoise2.04]

He's like "why no food?".

[@DaybirdAviaries]

I love Muscovies. Your guy is a very handsome man.

[@JohnTrefethen]

+Daybird Aviaries that was Ilford. He was recently killed by a river otter. I sure miss that guy.

[@waltersobchak7275]

The Gentleman Farmer What killed??? Otter you say??? Officially hate otters, along with Redtails. Dude I'm sorry. Damn!!!!

[@JohnTrefethen]

+Walter Sobchak yep, it was a river otter. I've seen it all. His memory lives on.

[@blondego56]

The Gentleman Farmer i am so sorry💔 i have Egg layer chickens and new meat chickens; no ducks,,, yet,,, i worry about predators up here in northern Idaho,,,

[@JohnTrefethen]

Thank you, +blondago56. I've learned, the hard way, that the only real way to protect my fowl is to build them an enclosure. Getting them into it at night is another story all together.

[@maradieterle2923]

I moved to Florida recently and couldn't figure out what these birds were....They are here all the time, same family now after a year that hang around my back yard. Second brood just born a few weeks ago and they are a hoot to watch. Hoping one day to get to approach one, but don't have a clue what to feed them. They actually sit in my back yard and let me get pretty close, even with the 13 "teenagers" all around. What's funny is that they don't quack, they cheep like other types of birds, at least the "babies" do. And everyone has to stop to let them cross the road. When it rains, they move MUCH quicker than normal, and even dive under water like loons. What an unusual duck. Thanks for clarifying what type of bird they are and how friendly they can be.

[@Person01234]

Yeah, muscovies only quack when they're under stress. They'll hiss, like in this video (not necessarily in an agressive way like a goose hiss or anything) and they'll make a few other noises but they're pretty quiet and they don't "quack like a duck" so to speak.

[@spirituallyconscious7774]

In Florida they just walk around everywhere and be shitting all around the place.

[@angie8617]

I love Muscovies mine had babies and got very protective and slightly aggressive when they were young. The babies feet were so soft they are beautiful animals.

[@HaggiyoPilipinas]

I like the results of breeding Muscovy ducks to other duck species.

[@officiallydestinyy7555]

At my house, there used to be one female Muscovy duck who would come over and hang out. Then on Thanksgiving day, she showed up with 6 ducklings. Today two of the ducklings weren't with the others and my mom noticed one of them across the street. Then the mother duck started calling out to her duckling and the other 4 caught on. I never thought they could be so loud until today.

[@CookFromHell86]

I absolutely adore Muscovy ducks. I would dare say they are definitely my favorite breed, coming in second would be the mandarin.

[@BehindPh]

Muscovy ducks is not only an animals...but as an awesome pets also... I really raising them.....as part of my small flocks and plants

[@dragonempress8367]

Never seen these ducks but they look gorgeous. Seems like he really loves to clean you.

[@kenrobinson1099]

I've never met a muscovy duck that I didn't like! they're complete characters and remind me of a children s wind up toy

[@ThePond2023]

That an awesome Big Skeegy! Love the speckled feet. Great video.

[@ayjay749]

Muscovy Ducks are cool - such great personalities!

[@OreaTivona]

The behaviour in this video looks more like courting behaviour to me. Sort of a grooming tickle very similar to what ganders (male geese) do too. I have had some of my birds do the same thing to me. The muscovies are really a lot more like geese in my opinion. My muscovies and geese behave in very similar ways and have similar personalities. They are nothing like regular mallard type ducks. My mallard breeds never play with toys. Geese and muscovies (at least mine) like to play with things such as strings, sticks, rocks, or dog toys I get for them. To those thinking it looks agressive, I have some muscovies and when they are trying to hurt someone they never let go. I have had to break up a couple of fights between a couple of them and they really hang on to whoever they are fighting. Its a challenge to get one to release its hold on another duck or goose if its got one. They never let go if they are picking a fight...

[@lerouxeverson925]

now what do you do after you break up the fight?

[@gingerkoel5608]

Thanks for sharing! What a great personality your duck has.

[@MrRowley5]

What a beautiful bird. He is absolutely gorgeous and adorable.

[@TiffanyALuna]

I _NEED_ Elford's magical powers! 🥺😭💓 🔥🔥🔥

[@omayraromero4574]

He seems crazy about you. It's amazing!

[@ducksak1]

Muscovy ducks are just adorable!

[@epiks5611]

My muscovy is always in attack mode for some reason.

[@TheOpelkoenjas]

Getting myself 3 10-12 week old Muscovy ducklings this afternoon from a private breeder. I always had chickens running and pecking around, and with now only 2 chickens left (and one of them walking on her last legs - soon to be dead sadly enough) it was time for me for a change of scenery. And since ducks have been on my bucket list for a very, very long time, and the fact that 30 years ago we always had Muscovy ducks running around on the old farm, the choice was made fast and easy. I have a big, free to roam backyard with lots of wild vegetation and fruits, ready for them to be explored. The only thing I need to add is a water feature. For now they can use the old plastic, oyster shaped tub which I'll fill up with fresh water on regular base. This until I dug out a self-cleaning pond or something alike. Love Muscovy ducks, they are such a character! LOL

[@jayzandra24]

Great video showing how friendly they can be. We had a drake just like that. He passed away yesterday 😢 Anyway, I just wanted to let you know you drake's pattern is not pied. It's magpie. I have a blue magpie drake that also has blue eyes. My favorite! ❤

[@annaace664]

We have a Gerald he is very sweet he took a loving eye to our guard dog and he sleeps with her , she wasn't amused at first but she knows he is part of the family . 😁😄😆☺

[@theeradic5629]

I have 30 muscovy ducks in my apartment complex. Different age ranges. Ive fed them and looked after them since they were born. I make this loud hissing sound to call them and they all respond. Its so cool. Only thing that sucks is when they start nipping each others tails. Idk what to do bout that haha i didnt grow up around ducks. I just love em.

[@kamboora]

that muscovy dude is searching for his treats 😍😍😍

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

I love his caruncle necklace!

[@billwagner5419]

I've had similar encounters. And my yard has been host to many nests and ducklings.

[@cherylmcnamara9602]

My boy Poe has the same affectionate personality

[@maddyhobert2256]

My Muscovy ducks are very sweet and cuddly. They tend to have really nice personalities. Mine even like to cuddle my German shepherd and nibble his fur.

[@bubblywaters3116]

You and your duck friends ROCK!

[@DanielIngegneri]

Such a happy boy ❤

[@KantiKane]

lmao hes trying to pet you back

[@gullubutt97]

I dont know why but my muscovy is an asshole hes soo damn aggressive he bites everyone dont know why hes sooo gangsta every body is afraid of him but I still love him

[@espeonspring8560]

Beautiful like seriously.

[@AmysBabies_AnimalRehabber.]

I have a drake named Alex and her thinks he’s a dog! He acts the exact same way!! Sooo friendly. We raised all 11 from eggs and they definitely have great personalities! ❤

[@debrakessler5141]

He's adorable, I have Muscoveys as well.

[@johnnadewise1930]

Love Muscovies! Thank you

[@JohnTrefethen]

You're welcome +Johnna DeWise. They are a special breed indeed.

[@AsuraDandy]

was actually wondering about the nibbling and the biting. I've had Muscovy's for awhile, originally got about 10 Muscovy's from a local farmer friend along with chickens. In the past they often didn't come near us at all but followed me around whenever it was feeding time. Wasn't until we let them lay eggs and hatch ducklings that they started not running away if I walk near them. But I wasn't sure about the social aspect of Muscovy's, At first the mother were defensive if we went near their babies but as we kept getting more babies they became less agressive if I went near the babies to pick them up or touch them and would just nibble on my arm or nudge my arm. It never hurt at all, like a soft pinch at some points but I wondered if that was good or bad. Like if it was playful or were trying to assert dominance. It was like this was all of the other muscovy's as well. Only time I was ever seriously bitten was when I was trying to break up a fight between to females, probably should've have done that but dang did I realize they could really chomp down if they meant it. Made me realize the difference between what they were doing before and this kind of bite, even though they didn't mean to bite me, I just had my hand on the other duck. I hope I can be that close to them in the future though, they're still keep their distance if I try to pet them or something. But the newest set of baby ducks that have grown are much more friendlier. I often just pick them up and they just nibble on my hand or arm. Whenever I set out their food for them, whenever I kneel down or sit down, they would always run straight towards me cause they want to eat out of my hand. Its quite nice. Also had this situation where two of the older female muscovy's are just sharing a nest together. Not sure why they're doing that, I check under them and there's no eggs, even after 2 weeks, they just constantly are together in this one box. Everytime I come, they would sometime leave their nest and walk up to me, before walking back to their nest when I walk in the coop. I still don't quite understand why they're doing it, but they're pretty chill next to each other.

[@akitacowboy1114]

such a great duck i am thinking of getting 6

[@thandsaker2194]

that is beautiful! great vid

[@isabelmalamaesqueiria9477]

Just one question. I have a male Muscovy at my lake and he is as friendly as yours. I pet him sometimes and he bites. Is it him telling me not to pet him? He trusts me much because I see him almost every day.

[@repogod911]

Probably wants you to feed him

[@jnokomis]

OMG I would love to know how you interacted with him that he got to be so friendly

[@americanazheck]

We recently were visited by two Muscovies,one male and one female..They stay for a few..One flys up on my garage and the other just walks around..They are cool..I'm gonna throw some corn out for them

[@arialthefont]

There were many Muscovy duck in our local park, then suddenly they all disappeared this is in lower Michigan. Where do you suppose they went?

[@TaraHaugo-le4zt]

Real handsome duck

[@WMItruckspotting]

So cute! I'm looking for some but I can't find any, Where do you find adult hens?

[@neozman]

wow, your a good duck friend, can tell he realy likes you :D:D

[@dianneguarino2348]

What a sweetheart 💕💕

[@lynlattao4574]

So cute

[@julesjam215]

Beautiful bird

[@rustyshackleford3647]

I was putting my kayak into the water a few weeks ago.. two of these guys were huffing and puffing at each other.. they started fighting and one was trying to drown the other.. I forced my paddle blade between them and used my kayak to keep cutting off the aggressor.. later they were chilling together on the bank.. 😂

[@Uryyabutminifarm4200]

Wow I like that kind of muscovy

[@kridanina]

thanks for the video

[@Guillermo-yx9qg]

Can you have a male ,muscovy duck and 3 female crested ducks???

[@WILD__THINGS]

Was he trying to groom you?

[@EXEcosmoman20]

yes, its a sign of being affectionate for there owners. mallerds, pekins, cals, and muscovys all do it while gently nibbling at your arms and stuff

[@ChevyGirl37]

There is 3 Muscovy ducks that randomly showed up at this public lake in my town one day and have been there ever since. They have been at this lake for a least 3 months now. Worried about how they are going to make it during the winter because I read online that they don’t do well in the winter and in my state it gets cold. I pray they can survive the winter.

[@wuxiao3282]

it’s so beautiful muscovy duck. love it 😊

[@nathanmbuyi8496]

I don't think I can eat a friend like this, how do you eat your ducks after loving them this much.?

[@elenavitug7115]

so cute!

[@Juststayhopeful]

I Miss my ducks in my childhood:(

[@TheWildPrince]

Will juvenile Muscovy die without their drake to protect them? A drake that was friendly with me was killed today and he had three juveniles that would follow him around.. their mother is sitting on a clutch on my balcony. I’m worried about them. 😢

[@MyNeowolf]

We have a female muscovy and the crazier you dance in front of her the more excited she gets. For such a small brain they are smart. It took her a few minutes to figure out the Lazer pointer. She goes after the device not the dot like other animals .

[@michaelcastellano1648]

Why do they shake their tail because I was at a park today and one came up to me and was shaking his tail and looking at me that mean they’re happy

[@zuragogberashvili1001]

Very nice duck i want like this

[@addiroo2004]

Currently training my muscovy to be a attack duck

[@MsRanny]

Do you know how to stop muscovy ducks for picking feathers to each other?Please notice me I need your help.

[@JohnTrefethen]

+Ms. Ranny you ask a good question, make sure they have plenty of space to defend themselves and get away. These are normal behaviors that can get out of control when space per duck is too limited.

[@JoeDuckMan]

so cool reminds me of my ducks who were so friendly must be hand raised great job

[@Juststayhopeful]

Same

[@justachick3114]

I have some Muscovy ducks and I know for sure that a few are hens buuuut I have a inkling that one or perhaps 2 are drakes although Ive not seen any breeding going on. I have one hen that is missing one foot and most of the other leg and some feathers are missing on the back of her neck which leads me to believe that SOMEONE is breading with her. Id love to send you some pictures of my ducks in hopes that you could help me figure out if the ones I susupect are in fact drakes. I also have 3 mixes and I suspect one of them to be a drake also but as they are Muscovy mixes they would be infertile anyway but still may be trying to breed with her. Is there any chance I could send you some clips or pics?

[@missyrabbit5250]

did you raise him from a duckling?

[@MohitKhuntia1990]

Great Job !! Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing.

[@robertolin6462]

Where can I purchase a male and female Muscovy duck

[@MrRowley5]

Beautiful

[@skorraq]

Is this a characteristic of the bird or of the breed

[@wrenchaholic]

cool. you are so nice to the bird. there was an all white muscovy i started to feed left over cat food. he eventualy just lived in the yard. we ended up moving and i went back to the haouse many months later and he was still there and came running to my truck! crazy!

[@markroeder2491]

Now that is a friendly duck! Are they closely related to a goose?

[@JohnTrefethen]

Funny you should ask +Mars Rover. Rumor has it, the Muscovy IS actually a goose. At the very least, it's the only known duck species not from the Mallard lineage.

Beautful duck

[@cd1168]

unreal, how he likes you .. i have them .. and they tolerate me, but never have i had one come up to me like that .. awesome. but yes they are very strong and a lot of bird ..

[@PittheadX]

Hope my moscovys are as sociable as that 😘

[@twistedcheese1]

I live in cleveleys in England. Theres this pond that has only one brown and white male muscovy. Are they as common in England as they are in America. They are apparently good flyers but I have never seen him fly. Ever. It makes me wonder how he got there because it always baffles me

[@Microbex]

Cute love bug. ❤️

[@xxnashninxx8604]

I have the same duck but mine is named Kevin and it hugs me

[@annetraut8247]

Someone dumped a Muscovy in my neighborhood pond and I don't know what to do with this adorable tail wagging head bobbing cutie! This particular duck is the odd duck out at the park. He isn't social with the other ducks or geese but will follow humans and dogs around and seems to love humans. I've never seen him forage and I'm concerned that he is too used to being fed by humans to survive in the pond. My question is this... do I leave him be in the pond and let him try to adapt to pond life, or should I get him out and find him a home with other Muscovies? Help! PS... this video is adorable!

[@JohnTrefethen]

Anne Traut you ask a valid question. Muscovy are very resourceful, but they really only forage for about 80-85% of the calorie needs. They adapt to new situations very well too. but they need and prefer companions. if you or someone you know has chickens, you can easily introduce it to their flock and they'll integrate well. you could always offer it some organic chicken pellets and catch it easily enough.

[@annetraut8247]

The Gentleman Farmer - I have an update on the Muscovy and another question for you. First, Turkey (the Muscovy duck) is doing great! He is now a very popular duck in the park and seems to really be enjoying pond life now that he has adjusted. He has made a couple friends and doesn't seem to be alone as much. My new question is this- one of the other ducks now has a broken beak (the top of his bill is ripped in half) and he really is having difficulty eating. Is there anything to do for him? I've seen many different suggestions online but thought you might have a suggestion. Let me know if you've ever dealt with this.

[@JohnTrefethen]

Hello +Anne Traut, thank you for the update. I am happy to hear that Turkey is beginning to adjust to his new home. Regarding the bill of the other duck, I have not dealt with this in the past. I honestly wouldn't know what to do. Ducks use their bills for tearing grass and pull food out of loose wet soil and mud. They really can get by without a complete bill I suspect, but life would be more difficult for certain.

[@billymitrione1019]

Do you live in the Waterford Oaks neighborhood? If so, his name is GEORGE lol

[@jasir8950]

What is its average lifespan?

[@dellakangoo9805]

he is so beautiful😍😍😍

[@sinfante1983]

I wish mine would let me pet them! They wait for me everyday 6:30 for water and snacks lol I love them!

[@abdillahwilly8501]

I love duck muscovy man