Muscovy ducks, lucky ducks

As if we didn't already have enough animals, I semi-accidentally won some ducks in a fundraising auction - as you do.  I say semi-accidentally because I really did think someone would outbid me - 30 bucks for three ducks seemed a bit too good to be true (hey, that's only ten bucks a duck, about the price of a roast chicken at the supermarket).

Ooh look, a photobombing hen!  To her left is Mr Petrov King-Duck (ie, P King-Duck, har har) and to her right is one of his two sister/wives Tatiana and Anastasia. 

In spite of our names for them, Muscovy ducks aren't a Russian breed, they actually hail from the Americas.  The name has different origins depending on where you look, and possibly relates to their musky smell, or their fondness for eating mosquitos.  Another article here suggests the Muscovy was named after the Muscovite Trading Company which plied its trade on the South American Coast. 

A very good thing about Muscovies is that they don't quack, so are perfect for a smaller backyard.  They also keep your garden clean, as they love to eat insects, snails, slugs and bugs.  Mmmmmmm, tasty bugs, nom nom nom.

Aren't I a lucky ducky to have them?!