Breed Help

[Kezs]

Hi Everyone!

I am brand new to raising ducks and chickens, and I purchased 2 straight run ducklings born about March 17th from Tractor Supply (a local farm hardware store). One is easy to identify (it's a mallard, but I know I have to wait to find out if it's a male or female) but the other one I have no idea! I thought it might be a Muscovy, but I contacted a lady to try to see if it was a male or female and she said it's not a Muscovy. She said it might be a Magpie, but at this point I need help. It's starting to quack so I'm thinking it's a girl, but I want to know the breed in case I need to order another female if the mallard flies away.
I'm attaching a few pictures, please help if you can.

 

[Isaac 0]

Looks like a Magpie to me too, if she quacks its a girl.

 

[nao57]

It does look like a magpie.

But don't Anconas also look a bit like that also?

I'm not disagreeing but just raising questions.

 

[Isaac 0]

It does look like a magpie.

But don't Anconas also look a bit like that also?

I'm not disagreeing but just raising questions.

Magpie usually have a solid head cap and a black back while Ancona tends to have a more spotted pattern over the body.

 

[nao57]

Thanks for teaching us Master of Cluckers!

 

[Kezs]

Y'all are awesome! I'm going to guess Magpie for now, and call customer service on Monday to try to get in touch with the hatchery. It's hard to take care of an animal properly if you don't know what it is! Basic duck care is one thing, but some breeds need different care from what I've read, like different size nesting boxes, etc.

 

[Isaac 0]

Y'all are awesome! I'm going to guess Magpie for now, and call customer service on Monday to try to get in touch with the hatchery. It's hard to take care of an animal properly if you don't know what it is! Basic duck care is one thing, but some breeds need different care from what I've read, like different size nesting boxes, etc.

They are a pretty common sized duck, so most of the information you find about ducks can be applied to this one as well.

We'd be happy to answer any questions you have!

 

[Kezs]

I just realized I never updated! She is a Magpie, and I think she is awesome! The hatchery only sells Magpies, not the Anconas. She quacks so it's definite she's a girl. The other is a Rouen, and I'm worried he's a male because he's still peeping, though it's a lower peep, and he's 7 weeks now. I won't know for sure until the adult head feathers grow in or he gets the drake tail. I'm having all sorts of trouble with the ducks. I posted questions about them in 2 other forums (Building maintenance and Ducks) so hopefully I will get great advice there like I did here. Thank you!