Denalidaze
Wild Muscovy Ducklings Cruising for Food
This is a photo of 9 wild Muscovy ducklings. They make their home on a small lake in Florida. I am guessing they are 7-14 days old. At first, Mom would lead them on the daily adventure looking for food in their small lake. Now, Mom allows them to adventure on their own. On each trip, they inspect the area for worms, small fish, plants, small reptiles, crustaceans, seeds, roots, stems, and leaves. One should NOT feed this duck bread as it is not good for their digestion. Later they will discover termites and millipedes. The Muscovy is a calm, quiet bird. Often, they live close to other birds for safety. However; they do hiss, which is a form of greeting. When they wiggle their tail, it means they are happy!
The little fuzz balls will stay with Mom for safety and warmth 10-12 weeks. At around 50-60 days the young will fledge. Mom (the hen) will take care of the new family. Dad (the drake) may also stay with the new brood for a few weeks. Mom and Dad have black, navy and white feathers with bumpy red patchy skin around the eyes and beak. Males can weigh up to 15 pounds, and females are smaller. Life span can be 8-12 years, but some have made it for 20 years. This duck is not a good egg producer, but the meat is reported to be lean and tasty. I only expect to consume them with my camera! This duck is not related to the mallard.
Wild Muscovy Ducklings Cruising for Food
This is a photo of 9 wild Muscovy ducklings. They make their home on a small lake in Florida. I am guessing they are 7-14 days old. At first, Mom would lead them on the daily adventure looking for food in their small lake. Now, Mom allows them to adventure on their own. On each trip, they inspect the area for worms, small fish, plants, small reptiles, crustaceans, seeds, roots, stems, and leaves. One should NOT feed this duck bread as it is not good for their digestion. Later they will discover termites and millipedes. The Muscovy is a calm, quiet bird. Often, they live close to other birds for safety. However; they do hiss, which is a form of greeting. When they wiggle their tail, it means they are happy!
The little fuzz balls will stay with Mom for safety and warmth 10-12 weeks. At around 50-60 days the young will fledge. Mom (the hen) will take care of the new family. Dad (the drake) may also stay with the new brood for a few weeks. Mom and Dad have black, navy and white feathers with bumpy red patchy skin around the eyes and beak. Males can weigh up to 15 pounds, and females are smaller. Life span can be 8-12 years, but some have made it for 20 years. This duck is not a good egg producer, but the meat is reported to be lean and tasty. I only expect to consume them with my camera! This duck is not related to the mallard.