Figuring out the sex of the ducklings can be quite difficult when they are very young because you can't tell the difference until the ducks are fully grown. Therefore, there are several specific methods that experienced duck breeders use to safely and accurately identify the sex of the animal. Most of these methods can be applied to almost any type of duck, but there are variations based on their physical appearance (eg color).
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the Gender of a Duck by its Voice
Step 1. Wait for two weeks before sexting the ducklings
When ducks are still babies, it is very difficult to identify the gender of the sound because they all sound the same. Wait at least 2 weeks before distinguishing between duck sounds.
Step 2. Listen to the female duck's voice to identify her
In order to identify the sex of a duck from its voice, you must become familiar with the differences in their voices. Female ducklings have the typical duck sound you're used to hearing, and will get louder and deafening as they get older.
Female ducklings will begin to vocalize when they are 2 weeks old, but it can take them up to 8 weeks to perfect their voice
Step 3. Listen to the monotonous moaning of the male duck
The sound of a male duck is different from the typical duck sound you often hear. The males tend to be quieter and will gradually begin to make monotonous moans.
- In contrast to the opposite sex, the male duck's voice will actually get slower with age and more difficult to distinguish than the female.
- The male Muscovy Duck makes a hissing sound. So, beware of this variation.
- You can find out the difference between male and female ducks online.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the Gender of a Duck from its Feathers
Step 1. Find out if the breed of duck to be examined has feathers that are specific to the sex
While the easiest way to tell a male and female duck apart is by their plumage, there are several species of ducks with the same plumage even though they are different sexes. So, seek as much information as possible before starting.
Step 2. Identify male ducks by their more colorful plumage
In general, male ducks have more striking plumage than the opposite sex, especially in the head and chest area.
- For example, the male mallard duck has a light brown color and a white ring around the neck.
- The colored feathers on male ducks serve to attract females in the mating season. The lighter the fur, the greater the chances of getting a mate.
Step 3. Identify the female duck through a more monotonous coat color
In contrast to the males, female ducks have a more monotonous color. Female duck feathers are usually a mixture of brown and gray. The beak is similar in color, but is also sometimes slightly orange in color.
- For example, the female mallar duck has chestnut-brown plumage all over its body with a gray and orange bill.
- There are many variations of duck feather color. So, make sure you've looked up information by duck species to identify colors by breed.
Step 4. Look for the male duck's distinctive feathers to identify the males
Another difference between male and female ducks is in the shape of their feathers. After 3 months, the male duck's tail feathers will begin to curl upwards, while the female duck's tail feathers remain flat.
The characteristics of the tail feathers in male ducks are the same as duck feathers in general, only the shape is curled up and towards the back of the duck's body
Step 5. Watch for increased feather growth in female ducks
In general, female duck feathers will grow much faster than males, especially in the wings and tail. Watch the ducklings as they grow and note which ones are growing fast. They are most likely female ducks.
Method 3 of 3: Checking Duck's Cock
Step 1. Call your vet if you're not sure
Checking a duck's genitals can potentially hurt the animal, so you need to be very careful when doing it yourself. This is not a problem if you are experienced. However, if you've never done it before, it's best to go to a vet who will do it for you.
When in doubt, ask someone more experienced to show you how to examine a duck's pubic in person. This is a process that cannot be simply contrived
Step 2. Hold the duckling upside down
Gently hold the duckling and turn him over so his feet fall on his stomach.
You can use a table to maintain stability if the duckling doesn't fight back
Step 3. Press the area under the pubic area
The pubic opening (known as the cloaca) is a small opening under a duck's feathers that holds its cock. This hole can be found under the fur near the anus.
- Use your thumb to gently press the area about 1.2 cm below the pubic opening.
- The duck may inadvertently defecate at this point. Wipe off the dirt and re-press the area.
Step 4. Part the tail feathers while pressing the pubic opening
Use your other hand to part the duck's tail forward. Then, use 2 fingers to gently press both sides of the pubic opening.
- When you feel the back pressure, release it for a few seconds, then press it again. In this way, you will reverse the cloaca area (animal urinary tract).
- If cloaca doesn't flip, try pressing repeat until it works.
Step 5. Get to know the penis or vagina
The penis of a male duck is shaped like a cork and is pink, white, or dark gray in color. Duck vaginas are harder to spot, but look for a pair of vaginal lips to be sure.
Sometimes, a male duck can be thought of as a female duck when he hides his genitals. You can re-examine the cock when the duck is a little older
Step 6. Release the pressure on the pubic orifice
Release your finger and allow the cloaca to return to its original position. If it doesn't flip right away, gently rub the area around it to allow the drain to re-enter easily.
