Das Verhalten der Warzenente

VI. SUMMARY

The domestic muscovy (Cairina moschata) has an evident sex dimorphism: the male is considerably taller than the female. Generally, the domestic muscovy exceeds the original by 25 percent in size. Since it has not yet far been developed genetically by breeding, the anatomy does not differ from the original. It is breeded in different colors, the white color representing the largest number of animals.

It is polygamous and lives in loose groups that rove through the entire terrain flying or walking. The choise of the partner is made by the female duck. Around every male duck, a group of female ducks is forming who spend the day more or less together. Mating is not so stricking as that of the mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Since the ducks only have a very low voice, mating is based primarily on displaying the body by impressing posed. Nevertheless, it is existing. Their general behaviour has much in common with other anatides.

The nesting place ist located preferably in an elevated position and if possible, roofed. In free nature, the muscovy is nesting in caves. It is very reliable in hatching and raising the young. It defends the chicken vehemently. According to my observations, the domestic muscovy is able to carry eggs in its bill. However, it is unable to get out chicken that have fallen into a hole. The ducks free the chicken from their eggs by gnawing off the shell.

The differ significantly from the mallard and domestic ducks developed from the latter by their flight behaviour. The hardly ever flee in panic, but only to the nearest cover, where they keep standing completely motionless. For this, a tree provides sufficient cover to place themselves behind and move in a way concealing them from the respective enemy. They are able to use me actively for help when attacked by predatory birds or in case of other difficulties, by fleeing towards me. Mallards and Indian runner ducks precipitately scatter in all directions, which very often causes injuries by fences.

Female domestic muscovies are excellent flyers, but nevertheless they keep to their territory and therefore return to their shed in the evening. Also outside, they always stay at the same places. They prefer raised locations as resting place from where they can observe their surroundings.

Industrial breeding for fattening should change from the individual stalls presently used to keeping in groups. The animals are very curious and need sufficient opportunities to develop this behaviour. The young I have kept outside have grown faster than those in sheds.

I have not had any difficulties in keeping domestic muscovies together with other fowls.

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