Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata
A large, quiet, non-migratory duck species native to Mexico and Central/South America, now widely domesticated across Africa including Kenya, distinguished from other ducks by its perching ability, red facial caruncles, and near-silent temperament.
Species
Avian
Family
Anatidae
Climate requirements
Hardy across Kenya's varied climates, performing well in free-range or semi-intensive backyard systems; needs only simple shelter and access to water for bathing rather than a swimming pond, and tolerates both wetter and drier conditions better than most duck breeds.
Husbandry guide
A dual-purpose bird for meat and eggs, with males reaching up to about 7kg and females around 3kg at maturity. Its strong natural brooding instinct means hens reliably incubate and rear their own ducklings, cutting the need for incubators. Muscovies also help control homestead pests such as snails, mosquitoes and other insects, and are low-input feeders on kitchen scraps, forage and grain, needing only basic housing and predator protection.
Economic importance
A growing niche enterprise in Kenya, with mature birds and eggs both fetching good prices; its minimal housing and feed costs plus natural reproduction make it an attractive low-capital option for smallholders.