Totally with you on the self-sustaining breeds! We've been trying to find the same self-sufficient animals for our homestead. Like you, we don't want to weaken our stock (and future stock) by babying our babies. It is sometimes a little rough on my city-born heart, but I'm certainly learning! Andrew helps reminds me to think about the long-term goals.
Iris and her brood are such a lovely picture. I love seeing healthy animals being raised the way they are supposed to be raised!
She is extremely protective of them! Apparently it's normal for female muscovies to attack us humans if we are interfering with their babies 😮