Author Topic: Ducklings... HELP (Read 2349 times)

NicAlford1234 · « **on:** May 22, 2012, 11:53:13 pm »

I recently bought 3 Aylesbury ducklings, however they weren't sexed when I bought them. They have settled into their new home now, however I bought them at the Devon County Show, so am not sure how old they are or what sex they are.

They are starting to turn white, and are probably around 20cm high; what age would you put them at?

Also, sexing them, should I use the vent method or just wait until they are old enough for me to see for myself?

Thanks

Beeducked · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2012, 12:02:44 am »

How recently did you buy them?

If they are starting to feather up from their downy yellow they are probably about 4-5 weeks but it can really vary both duck to duck and person to person (in terms of perception of change!).

Vent sexing is hard if you don't know what you are looking for and you can damage the duck. Also much harder as they get older and stronger. At this stage probably worth waiting for the quack!

NicAlford1234 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2012, 10:32:57 am »

Last week.

Ok, cheers!

little blue · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2012, 10:29:44 pm »

once they have their white feathers, look for a "drake feather" - a little upwards curly feather on the back, in front of the tail.

or listen for the quack vs croak!

Beeducked · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2012, 11:01:59 pm »

I love their little curly tails on the boys! Best listen for the quack though as the sex curls only come at the second moult into their nuptial plumage at about 20-24 weeks of age.

little blue · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2012, 08:49:20 pm »

Quote from: Beeducked on May 24, 2012, 11:01:59 pm

I love their little curly tails on the boys! Best listen for the quack though as the sex curls only come at the second moult into their nuptial plumage at about 20-24 weeks of age.

thanks - I couldn't remember how long we have to wait til the curls show!

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2012, 04:45:30 pm »

sexing them can be hard or maybe I'm just utter rubish at it - we had one adult IR with a curly tailfeather that quacked! Because "she" was quite agressive went back to her former home and none of us still knows what she is

. for sure you can tell when they start laying