Things Are Just Ducky

Today's journal entry is by my friend and co-worker Wonder Woman.  Here's the tale of the new members of her barnyard.

Well, this "flock" of Muskovy ducks showed up at our property about 4-5 months ago.  We began with a flock of about 6-7 at first.  We have 4 that have become "residents".  2 males and 2 females. One of the females laid 20 eggs in our barn a couple of months ago.  She sat on them for about 2 weeks but then some critter raided the nest one night and none of the eggs were left.  The other female decided to lay her eggs in a safer place.  She chose our dog house that sits close to the house.  Our dog has never used the dog house, but our cat used to love it.  The duck has been sitting on her eggs for a couple of weeks.  It usually takes about 30 days to hatch eggs so we're anxiously awaiting their arrival and keeping our fingers crossed. I decided that with the hot weather these ducks (which are not pond ducks) needed some water to play in so I got them a wading pool (much to the aggravation of my husband).  They really enjoy their new pool and look cleaner then they have ever looked!!!  Maybe I'll have photos of babies soon!!

Wonder Woman did some research, and here's what she found on the Muskovy ducks.

Originating from Brazil, Muscovies are the only domestic ducks that are not derived from Mallard stock. Wild Muscovies' coloration is black and white, but domestication has produced many different colors. These colors are; blue, blue and white, chocolate, chocolate and white, white, black, black and white, lavender, and calical. The males can grow to be quite large, weighing 10-15 lbs. Most of the females are 5-7 pounds but can reach up to 9 and sometimes 10 lbs. Their feet are equipped with strong sharp claws for grabbing tree branches and roosting. Muscovies are unique because of their bright red crest around their eyes and above the beak. They do not swim much because their oil glands are under developed compared to most ducks. Muscovy hens can set three times a year, and the egg clutches can vary from 8 to 21 eggs. The egg are incubated for 35 days.