| The Muscovy Duck Standard Brian Paul Witt |
The White Muscovy was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in
1874, and since that time, three other varieties have been admitted. It is a very
popular breed at poultry shows, and is a breed that is constantly improving in
type, size, and color. When evaluating Muscovies, there are large differences in
how judges see a 'correct' specimen. The intent of this article will focus only on
Muscovies in North America; those that fall under the jurisdiction of the APA and
the American Standard of Perfection.
Weight
The Standard of Perfection (SOP) states:
Old Drake 12 lbs
Young Drake 10 lbs
Old Duck 7 lbs
Young Duck 6 lbs
In 'Disqualifications', under 'Weights', the SOP reads (page 33 in the 1998 B&W
edition):
"any bird...that deviates more than 20% either up or down from the weight listed
for its breed, sex and age should be disqualified." Most exhibition Muscovies
weigh more than the SOP dictates. An old drake that is more than 14.5 lbs., by
SOP definition should be disqualified. Some breeders, including myself, weigh
their birds regularly, sometimes several times a year and record the weights. This
gives us an accurate measure of what a bird should weigh at different times of the
year, as there are many different factors that determine the weight of a Muscovy
such as weather, the breeding season, and moult. Given that most exhibition
mature drakes will weigh 15 to 19 lbs. and mature females will weigh 8 to 10 lbs.
during the Fall show season, I suggest increasing the weight proportionally, that is
3 lbs. for old and young drakes, and 1.5 lbs for old and young ducks. This would
give the needed allowance for these large ducks and they would be in conformity
with the SOPs weight disqualification percentage.
Caruncles
Caruncles are a characteristic of Muscovies. A Muscovy that displays a smooth
head and face, in respect to caruncling, is rightly criticized by the SOP, as this is
a "Specimen lacking in breed characteristics." in the 1993 SOP (the Color
Standard), a comment on caruncles under 'HEAD' (this was deleted in the 1998
SOP) reads, "..the larger the better." This needs to be included in all future
Standards. The 1998 SOP is somewhat clearer when it states, "...convered
uniformly with caruncles which may extend to the neck." Some have expressed
concern that the caruncles on Muscovies has become excessive. True, there are
ducks with excessive caruncles, but the SOP prohibits a duck with a lack of
symmetry ("covered uniformly") or one whose caruncles interferes with its sight or
breathing. In so far as the caruncles are symmetrical and do not interfere with its
sight or breathing, a heavily caruncled Muscovy should not be penalized. Another
point from the SOP that relates to caruncles on Muscovies is found under
'GENERAL COMMENTS', number 6 (page 5 in the 1998 B&W edition):
"Chickens grown under warm conditions will usually develop a relatively larger
comb and wattles than those grown in cooler climates." This comment should
also be seen as relating to the caruncles on the Muscovy as any breeder will
confirm the fact that caruncles are larger and more developed in warmer parts of
the country. Any description of caruncles should include comments about the
undesirable 'gypsy color' seen in many Black and Blue Muscovies.
Black in the bean of White drakes
Black is seen in the bean of White drakes, though very rarely in young specimens,
it occurs more often than not in adults. This fault usually appears as 'pencil
marks', sometimes only one, but it is not uncommon to see several in the bean.
According to the SOP, black in the bill or bean of any white drake (regardless of
breed) is a disqualification (page 34 in the B&W edition.) Many times, a judge will
overlook this and have placed birds with this fault on Championship Row. When
this is done, other exhibitors have a legitimate complaint, as this is in violation of
the SOP. An exception for Muscovy drakes (I am not familiar enough with other
white breeds to suggest any changes) should be made for several reasons.
White Muscovy drakes are very susceptible to these black markings. In talking
with other breeders of Whites, it seems to occur in more than 75% of adult
drakes of this variety. Interestingly, I have only seen one white female with black
in it's bean, and there is an exemption for white females in the SOP. It would
seem that this is a problem that is unique to White Muscovy drakes. While this
should be considered a fault and defect in a show specimen, to disqualify a bird
for this is extremely harsh and excessive.
Type
In the 1993 APA Yearbook (page 304) an article entitled "BLACK DUCK
SEMINAR" by Lou Horton lists some type problems by breed. Under the
heading "Typical Type Problems by Breed," there are some comments on
Colored Muscovies: "Narrow and/or 'smooth' heads, lack of great length and
width of back. Lack of body depth. A refined rather than massive scale to the
bird overall." (emphasis mine) Unfortunately, this negative description is depicted
in the drawings in the B&W and Color SOP as these are more indicative of young
specimens. The drawings do not portray the depth that an adult Muscovy should
have, and this has translated to many Muscovies in the showroom. Jim Konecny
has modified some drawings for his 2003 APA Yearbook article entitled "Judging
Muscovies" that are more representative of Muscovy type. Future drawings
should depict a drake and duck that is much deeper than the current renderings.
Mr. Konecny's description of Muscovies at different ages and at different stages
of maturity is invaluable information for exhibitors and judges. Too often, rangy
birds lacking in depth (albeit in good condition) are placed at shows. Much of the
time, these Muscovies lacking good type are not cooped where they should be,
so that the judge has difficulty seeing the entire bird. Judges should not be
impressed with condition only, and a well conditioned bird should never be placed
over one with better type; one that is healthy but appears 'out of condition'
because it has lost or broken some feathers on it's way to the show. A good
adult breeding female will have a heavy stern, many times dragging the ground.
This also is characteristic of the breed and should not be penalized.
These suggestions are meant to help breeders and judges and should be seen as
aids to clarifying the Standard for Muscovy ducks. I would appreciate any
comments relating to this discussion.
1874, and since that time, three other varieties have been admitted. It is a very
popular breed at poultry shows, and is a breed that is constantly improving in
type, size, and color. When evaluating Muscovies, there are large differences in
how judges see a 'correct' specimen. The intent of this article will focus only on
Muscovies in North America; those that fall under the jurisdiction of the APA and
the American Standard of Perfection.
Weight
The Standard of Perfection (SOP) states:
Old Drake 12 lbs
Young Drake 10 lbs
Old Duck 7 lbs
Young Duck 6 lbs
In 'Disqualifications', under 'Weights', the SOP reads (page 33 in the 1998 B&W
edition):
"any bird...that deviates more than 20% either up or down from the weight listed
for its breed, sex and age should be disqualified." Most exhibition Muscovies
weigh more than the SOP dictates. An old drake that is more than 14.5 lbs., by
SOP definition should be disqualified. Some breeders, including myself, weigh
their birds regularly, sometimes several times a year and record the weights. This
gives us an accurate measure of what a bird should weigh at different times of the
year, as there are many different factors that determine the weight of a Muscovy
such as weather, the breeding season, and moult. Given that most exhibition
mature drakes will weigh 15 to 19 lbs. and mature females will weigh 8 to 10 lbs.
during the Fall show season, I suggest increasing the weight proportionally, that is
3 lbs. for old and young drakes, and 1.5 lbs for old and young ducks. This would
give the needed allowance for these large ducks and they would be in conformity
with the SOPs weight disqualification percentage.
Caruncles
Caruncles are a characteristic of Muscovies. A Muscovy that displays a smooth
head and face, in respect to caruncling, is rightly criticized by the SOP, as this is
a "Specimen lacking in breed characteristics." in the 1993 SOP (the Color
Standard), a comment on caruncles under 'HEAD' (this was deleted in the 1998
SOP) reads, "..the larger the better." This needs to be included in all future
Standards. The 1998 SOP is somewhat clearer when it states, "...convered
uniformly with caruncles which may extend to the neck." Some have expressed
concern that the caruncles on Muscovies has become excessive. True, there are
ducks with excessive caruncles, but the SOP prohibits a duck with a lack of
symmetry ("covered uniformly") or one whose caruncles interferes with its sight or
breathing. In so far as the caruncles are symmetrical and do not interfere with its
sight or breathing, a heavily caruncled Muscovy should not be penalized. Another
point from the SOP that relates to caruncles on Muscovies is found under
'GENERAL COMMENTS', number 6 (page 5 in the 1998 B&W edition):
"Chickens grown under warm conditions will usually develop a relatively larger
comb and wattles than those grown in cooler climates." This comment should
also be seen as relating to the caruncles on the Muscovy as any breeder will
confirm the fact that caruncles are larger and more developed in warmer parts of
the country. Any description of caruncles should include comments about the
undesirable 'gypsy color' seen in many Black and Blue Muscovies.
Black in the bean of White drakes
Black is seen in the bean of White drakes, though very rarely in young specimens,
it occurs more often than not in adults. This fault usually appears as 'pencil
marks', sometimes only one, but it is not uncommon to see several in the bean.
According to the SOP, black in the bill or bean of any white drake (regardless of
breed) is a disqualification (page 34 in the B&W edition.) Many times, a judge will
overlook this and have placed birds with this fault on Championship Row. When
this is done, other exhibitors have a legitimate complaint, as this is in violation of
the SOP. An exception for Muscovy drakes (I am not familiar enough with other
white breeds to suggest any changes) should be made for several reasons.
White Muscovy drakes are very susceptible to these black markings. In talking
with other breeders of Whites, it seems to occur in more than 75% of adult
drakes of this variety. Interestingly, I have only seen one white female with black
in it's bean, and there is an exemption for white females in the SOP. It would
seem that this is a problem that is unique to White Muscovy drakes. While this
should be considered a fault and defect in a show specimen, to disqualify a bird
for this is extremely harsh and excessive.
Type
In the 1993 APA Yearbook (page 304) an article entitled "BLACK DUCK
SEMINAR" by Lou Horton lists some type problems by breed. Under the
heading "Typical Type Problems by Breed," there are some comments on
Colored Muscovies: "Narrow and/or 'smooth' heads, lack of great length and
width of back. Lack of body depth. A refined rather than massive scale to the
bird overall." (emphasis mine) Unfortunately, this negative description is depicted
in the drawings in the B&W and Color SOP as these are more indicative of young
specimens. The drawings do not portray the depth that an adult Muscovy should
have, and this has translated to many Muscovies in the showroom. Jim Konecny
has modified some drawings for his 2003 APA Yearbook article entitled "Judging
Muscovies" that are more representative of Muscovy type. Future drawings
should depict a drake and duck that is much deeper than the current renderings.
Mr. Konecny's description of Muscovies at different ages and at different stages
of maturity is invaluable information for exhibitors and judges. Too often, rangy
birds lacking in depth (albeit in good condition) are placed at shows. Much of the
time, these Muscovies lacking good type are not cooped where they should be,
so that the judge has difficulty seeing the entire bird. Judges should not be
impressed with condition only, and a well conditioned bird should never be placed
over one with better type; one that is healthy but appears 'out of condition'
because it has lost or broken some feathers on it's way to the show. A good
adult breeding female will have a heavy stern, many times dragging the ground.
This also is characteristic of the breed and should not be penalized.
These suggestions are meant to help breeders and judges and should be seen as
aids to clarifying the Standard for Muscovy ducks. I would appreciate any
comments relating to this discussion.
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