A few duck questions for a duck newbie

[Amykins]

I have noticed some differences before they have feathered out that led me to suspect, and later proved themselves true. I noticed with both my Pekins and my Khakis that the females have been super vocal even as young ducklings. They were the ones to peep bloody murder over anything and everything, while the drakes typically weren't as vocal even as ducklings and rarely reached that ear shattering high pitched peep.

Wow, really? I wonder if that's true for call ducks, too...I mean, ducklings are pretty peep-tastic regardless, and call ducks even more so! But Wobbles practically sings nonstop, especially when she eats. It's so cute. <3

 

[Charmedlady]

Well, what I read is a female will quack and a male will not. I don't know how true that is but when mine were 3 months old we chased them and they were mad but only 1 quacked. So we kept a watch out and sure enough the one who quaked was the female. She just started laying eggs this week. The only noise the male really makes sounds like he is walking around the yard grumbling constantly, almost sounds like muttering. The female kind of honks when she talks.

 

[Amykins]

Well, what I read is a female will quack and a male will not. I don't know how true that is but when mine were 3 months old we chased them and they were mad but only 1 quacked. So we kept a watch out and sure enough the one who quaked was the female. She just started laying eggs this week. The only noise the male really makes sounds like he is walking around the yard grumbling constantly, almost sounds like muttering. The female kind of honks when she talks.

Yes, but we're talking about babies.

 

[WillowWispFarm]

That makes since seeing how a lot of female animals are more vocal from what I noticed. I hope I can pick two girls. I called today and I can pick up two ducklings tomorrow morning. I cant wait!

 

[WillowWispFarm]

I got two today!! They are Muscovy's and they are just so cute. I put them in with my bantams and the bantams are actually afraid of them but they seem to be getting along better right now. Not sure how old they are or what gender they are. Hoping I picked two girls

 

[Charmedlady]

Oh they are super cute and I have heard they are great fly catchers. And yes I hope you got 2 girls too because my boy is such a butthead. Although they were cute tonight, they knew it was bedtime when I went out there and they got out of their pond and went and got in their bed on their own : ) I will try to post a pic of mine tomorrow. Good luck and enjoy : )

 

[ShowMeTheDucks]

Quick question,
If I fill my ducks kitty pool with rain water or want to let it sit out is there anything I can add to the water to keep it clean or at least keep algae or bugs from growing in it?

 

[Amykins]

Quick question,
If I fill my ducks kitty pool with rain water or want to let it sit out is there anything I can add to the water to keep it clean or at least keep algae or bugs from growing in it?

Nothing that would be safe for your ducks. Your best bet is to just keep changing out the water on a daily basis and refilling it with a hose. I wouldn't even use rain water, since there have been instances of protozoa and other harmful bacteria found in it.

 

[Quackers Mama]

Nothing that would be safe for your ducks. Your best bet is to just keep changing out the water on a daily basis and refilling it with a hose. I wouldn't even use rain water, since there have been instances of protozoa and other harmful bacteria found in it.

Interesting... I think I learn something new from you every day, thank you!

 

[veronicasmom]

I am not sure if you are planning on getting the kiddie pool filled now, or in the future. But make sure your ducks are able to get out if you are not watching them. Ducklings can drown very easily when they are small.
I think there is some great info on ducklings on this site. Someone on here can direct you if you have not found it already.
Your little ones are ADORABLE. I love my Muscovies, such interesting birds.