can a muscovy duck and a goose mate?

Question

actually mine did. and the ducks have laid eggs and are now brooding. how long will the incubation take?

Answer 1

Hi Wildeyes,

I think you have a great scientific experiment going on in your home. When two different groups (species or genera) mate (Goose= Anser; muscovy duck = Cairina) , then either, no reproduction takes place or the eggs may not be viable (they may not hatch) or the offspring may be shortlived or if they grow then they may be sterile. Right now, waiting and watching is the only way to go, but please do let me know about what happens next!!!

If the offspring are viable and can also produce more viable offspring later in life, then i think you have some important finding in your hands.

Answer 2

Muscovy Goose

Answer 3

Yes, a duck and a goose may physically mate, but don't look for the union to produce fertile eggs, as they are two different species...and ducks, like chickens, produce infertile eggs all the time, so the fact the ducks have laid eggs is normal.

Answer 4

Although geese and ducks are in the same family (Anatidae), they are of different genus and species. While they may have physically mated, it is unlikely that the eggs will be fertile or that they will hatch. It is common for a female bird to brood eggs, fertile or not. Hen chickens will brood their eggs, even if they have not mated because there is no rooster available!

In the case of horses and donkeys producing offspring, they are of the same genus, but different species. Their offspring are mules (male donkey x female horse) or hinnys or jennets (male horse x female donkey), and are almost always sterile.