Muscovy vs Pekin: which is better for a pet?

[Biff Tannen]

I have one baby Muscovy duckling born on March 31. This is my first time raising a duckling but the information on google says Muscovy ducks are an invasive species and are known to be aggressive. I also read that pekin ducks are much better pets than Muscovy. Is this really true?

Can anybody here reassure me that I didn’t make a bad decision of getting a Muscovy duck as opposed to a Peking duck? At the time I bought my Muscovy he was only less than two weeks old and the breeder said he only had three month old Pekins available. I wanted a duck that could bond with me so I got the Muscovy duckling.

 

[americanchicks]

If happiness and cuteness had a baby it would be a muscovy duckling. I have raised both types even hatched them myself. I have never had a friendly Pekin. No matter how much attention I gave them they always ended up flighty and afraid of me. Musovies on the other hand have always been sweet. I have never had aggression issues, maybe from broody mommas. But heck I have a broody momma now that lets me pet her, touch her eggs, and even eats out of my hand while on the nest. My muscovy drake Russel was the most friendly bird. He was always happy to see people and would wag his tail. Russel would come to the back slider door and knock for attention. You could pet him, he would eat from your hand, and he would lightly nibble you.

I would recommended getting another duckling. All ducks need company. With out other ducks they can develop issues, even with aggression, No matter what breed

 

[JaeG]

Pekins have leg issues because they grow so big so quickly. Many don't live long (they aren't designed to).

Muscovy are naturally friendly, quiet and they wag their tails. Cute! We are currently hatching some and I can't wait to meet them.

 

[Lloy-D2788]

We have Muscovy ducks and are really pleased we went for them - they are so quiet, so they won’t annoy the neighbours!! Ours were really flighty when they arrived, but they are definitely becoming more and more confident - our male even ate out of our hands the other day. I find them fascinating to watch.

Only down side is that they lay less eggs than some breeds (though Pekins don’t lay that many more than Muscovy ducks) and they are excellent fliers so clipping wings is essential.

 

[MiTmite9]

I have one baby Muscovy duckling born on March 31. This is my first time raising a duckling but the information on google says Muscovy ducks are an invasive species and are known to be aggressive. I also read that pekin ducks are much better pets than Muscovy. Is this really true?

Can anybody here reassure me that I didn’t make a bad decision of getting a Muscovy duck as opposed to a Peking duck? At the time I bought my Muscovy he was only less than two weeks old and the breeder said he only had three month old Pekins available. I wanted a duck that could bond with me so I got the Muscovy duckling.

Two years later and I'm wondering how your ducks are doing? I've had both Pekin (female) and a set of Muscovy (siblings: 1 male, 1 female). The Pekin was a wonderful, lovely duck. She had a very happy life, with a little male Bantam rooster as her companion.

With the brother and sister ducks, the male Muscovy became a problem. He chased his sister relentlessly. We gave him to friends who had a vast, wonderful garden ---- all enclosed. Paradise for a duck. "Howie" soon became worse than a guard goose and terrorized all visitors. He did have a long, happy life, though. My friends still speak of him fondly.

The female we kept: "Escargot" aka "Esca." She was so sweet and loving. She used to knock on my bedroom window at dawn and get into bed with me. I loved her so very, very much.

We were stupid back then about predators and because we lived in an urban area we thought Esca would be safe.

One day a German shepherd dog made its way to our yard ---- he came from about three miles away ---- and carried off our precious Esca. I chased the dog and could not catch him. I had nightmares for years and YEARS after that horrific occurrence. I never got another duck.

Never forget that ducks and chickens are prey species. Do not try to keep them if you cannot keep them safely locked up at night. Don't leave them unsupervised during the day, either.