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A drake with no drake feathers?? Is it possible?

Discussion in 'Ducks' started by One Acre Wonder Farm, Mar 30, 2009.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Mar 30, 2009 #1
    One Acre Wonder Farm

    One Acre Wonder Farm Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Feb 20, 2009
    Vermont
    First time duck owner here!

    On Saturday I purchased 4 ducks and a drake from a friend. They are (I'm told) Blue Swedish. The drake is no doubt a drake (drake feathers). There are two blue/grey ducks with white bibs, a black duck with a white bib, and the remaining duck is all white. I had my suspicions that the white duck was not a blue swedish at all (bright orange feet and bill). Today I highly suspect "she" is not a she at all. Whenever the blue drake tryies to mate one of the ducks the white duck runs over and pushes him off. Then "she" will chase him away, all the while biting his neck. I even caught "her" mating one of the other ducks today. "She" is also a bit larger than the drake.

    Yesterday and today we got three beautiful blue eggs. If this white duck is actually a drake with no drake feathers it would explain the 3 eggs and the aggressive behavior. What do you think? These ducks are 6(ish) months old. Wouldn't the drake feathers be apparent by now?? Is it possible I have two drakes?
     
  3. Mar 30, 2009 #2
    TheDuckCrew

    TheDuckCrew Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Feb 21, 2009
    Connecticut
    its probably a pekin drake. when molting, my drakes lose their drake feathers just like they lose their other feathers. it grows back and seems more curly each time! is there any chance he's molting or his drake feather was just pulled out when he was fighting? my drakes bite each others necks and their butts when they swim away.
     
  5. Mar 30, 2009 #3
    eggchel

    eggchel Overrun With Chickens Premium Member

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    Dec 26, 2006
    Both Coasts
    You should be able to tell by the voice whether the white duck is a male or female. Sharp quack = female. Raspy quack = male. You can compare its voice to the sounds of the ones who's sex is already known.

    My drakes frequently lose their drake feathers.

    Female ducks will sometimes mount each other so that isnt a reliable indicator unless you are watching and see a male appendage. It is only visible for a few seconds after the male is finished.

    Chel
     

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