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Sexing Cayuga Ducklings

post #1 of 8
4/30/09 at 6:38am
Thread Starter 

I am going to pick up my first pair of ducklings tonight. (Cayuga ducklings) The breeder said that she has NOT mastered the art of sexing them yet, so she's not sure which sex I will be getting. Any ideas or thoughts on how to tell which is which? I would prefer a male and female but I'll be happy with which ever. I really would like to be able to get a male though.

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post #2 of 8
4/30/09 at 6:45am

If you know how to vent sex, that's a major plus lau

If not, you can sometimes tell, with a fair amount of accuracy, by the size of their legs and necks. The males should have 'thicker' necks and legs than the females, but of course this is not fool-proof. Some say you can tell by the sound of their peeps, females being louder and 'squeekier', but this has never worked for me. The leg thing didn't either actually, but I believe the person had all males, since I got 4 of the 7 ducklings she had and they were all 4 males!

Or you could just have them wait a few weeks and see which ones are quacking, that always works big_smile

Good luck!! fl

Have some Horizon single N.E.S.T. bird shippers available!  Send me a message if you're interested!
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Have some Horizon single N.E.S.T. bird shippers available!  Send me a message if you're interested!
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post #3 of 8
4/30/09 at 6:55am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by shelleyd2008 

If you know how to vent sex, that's a major plus lau

If not, you can sometimes tell, with a fair amount of accuracy, by the size of their legs and necks. The males should have 'thicker' necks and legs than the females, but of course this is not fool-proof. Some say you can tell by the sound of their peeps, females being louder and 'squeekier', but this has never worked for me. The leg thing didn't either actually, but I believe the person had all males, since I got 4 of the 7 ducklings she had and they were all 4 males!

Or you could just have them wait a few weeks and see which ones are quacking, that always works big_smile

Good luck!! fl


Thanks

i am going to try to be patient and listen, and try to observe. smile

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post #4 of 8
4/30/09 at 7:09am

Just be sure to handle a lot of them to find out their 'squeek' factor, and compare the legs of each of them. Like I said, neither of these methods is fooll-proof, one of my pekin babies had tiny legs, and they were all boys! But I would say you have a better chance like that than by just choosing blindly. It would help if they are all the same age too, so I hope they are! fl

Have some Horizon single N.E.S.T. bird shippers available!  Send me a message if you're interested!
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Have some Horizon single N.E.S.T. bird shippers available!  Send me a message if you're interested!
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post #5 of 8
3/31/12 at 3:32pm

hi, a web site, Metzer farms has a real good video on sexing ducks.I'm sure u will not have any trouble.

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post #6 of 8
4/2/12 at 12:00am

Just watching that video doesn't mean you'll have no trouble.... it takes TONS of practice and being shown my someone who is an expert to really get the hang of it... as was posted the breeder hasn't gotten the hang of it yet. I usually learn really well by reading or just watching something be done.... but this takes more than that... and it's sooo easy to hurt them if you don't know what you're doing.

 

I'm a Dog trainer... I do Dog Agility... then I got the crazy idea to try herding so I've gotten ducks and some chicks for eggs... and now I may end up doing shows with them too... yes... I have lost my mind.

Oh and did I mention I do vehicle decals (right now it's mostly dog designs) and lettering... and Tshirt's and coaster sets and decorative tiles... hey I've been out of a regular job...

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I'm a Dog trainer... I do Dog Agility... then I got the crazy idea to try herding so I've gotten ducks and some chicks for eggs... and now I may end up doing shows with them too... yes... I have lost my mind.

Oh and did I mention I do vehicle decals (right now it's mostly dog designs) and lettering... and Tshirt's and coaster sets and decorative tiles... hey I've been out of a regular job...

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post #7 of 8
4/2/12 at 4:07am

John Metzer even said in that video that HE was wrong a lot when he first started doing it. My husband has checked all six of ours and they are all female. LOL. So yeah I am waiting for the time when they ALL have their curled drake feather. That would be our luck to have all males when I only want one male and the rest female.

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post #8 of 8
4/2/12 at 4:35am
They are babies, thick legs and necks or the hanging upside down (with chickens) are old wives tales. Metzers does well with vent sexing, but even they make mistakes at times (and they will correct the mistakes). Humans are just that human and make mistakes when vent sexing, anyone who would hold another 100% accountable for vent sexing is being unrealistic.

Enjoy your new ducklings.

Celtic Oaks Farm LLC NPIP
Send us an EMAIL Like Us on Facebook Visit us on the web CELTICOAKS.COM
2013 waiting list ==== Our Swaps ==== Our Breeds (photos)
We CAN ship to VA (permit pending) & HI (permit required for each box)
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Celtic Oaks Farm LLC NPIP
Send us an EMAIL Like Us on Facebook Visit us on the web CELTICOAKS.COM
2013 waiting list ==== Our Swaps ==== Our Breeds (photos)
We CAN ship to VA (permit pending) & HI (permit required for each box)
Shipping live birds Article
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