North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Rosholdt <rosholdt@erols.com>]

Last fall the US Fish & Wildlife Services passed a regulation that no 
one could keep Muscovies as pets or for other domestic purposes other 
than meat - or transfer them - they were to be "wild only" and belonged 
only in their native area, Texas.
http://regulations.justia.com/view/166727/

There was significant outcry from the startled owners.  F&W said they 
were "surprised" that people were using Muscovies for many domestic 
purposes (including egg-laying, showing, etc.) and the rule has been 
revisited.  See article:

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/farm-industry-news/2010/10/22/muscovy-duck-regulations-revisited.aspx 


But anyone with Muscovies should keep an eye on this.

Word to wise,
Barb Rosholdt
z7

> Subject:> Re: [NAFEX] ducks
> From:> "Richard Wagner" <rewagner@centurytel.net>
> Date:> Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:09:51 -0600
> To:> "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
>
> Richard Wagner,
>
> Muscovy ducks are good flyers, much better than wild turkeys for example. I 
> have seen ours fly as a flock 100-150 feet high and for 1.25 miles (circular 
> route).
>
> The can also dive. One I observed a large unidentifiable bird approaching the 
> pond. The ducks recognized it the same time as I did and they all dived below 
> the surface scattering underwater. They eventually popped up about 100+ feet. 
> THe bird was a bald eagle. They are not frightened by large hawks or vultures 
> so they can distinguish species and not just size.