Calling all Mallard experts- Sexing question

[Quacky Cate]

Hello all! My first time post. I have a 7-8 week old Mallard ( not Rouen) . It still chirps and coos and all those other cute baby sounds. ( I can't upload video to this thread) Only a few times did I hear a definitely quack (didn't sound raspy at the time) But hasn't quacked in a few days and a very quiet duck...even when picked up. Some mallard owners said look to tertial coverts for extra white for female and non white tertials for males. Or look at bill color (green for boy, yellow/brown for girls.) Is it too early to tell? I know green heads can develop but usually not until they molt does it become distinctive. Most say they know by 6 weeks. I am thinking since still a peeper, it's a drake. Tertial feathers would direct to drake as well. Anyone have any thoughts. I have 3 week old female pekin and would like to add to my flock but holding off because not sure of sex of this Mallard. I took pictures of wings and bill.

 

[Isaac 0]

I am pretty sure that's a female Mallard.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

that looks like a female but girls usually would already be quacking

 

[Isaac 0]

that looks like a female but girls usually would already be quacking

Hello all! My first time post. I have a 7-8 week old Mallard ( not Rouen) . It still chirps and coos and all those other cute baby sounds. ( I can't upload video to this thread) Only a few times did I hear a definitely quack (didn't sound raspy at the time) But hasn't quacked in a few days and a very quiet duck...even when picked up. Some mallard owners said look to tertial coverts for extra white for female and non white tertials for males. Or look at bill color (green for boy, yellow/brown for girls.) Is it too early to tell? I know green heads can develop but usually not until they molt does it become distinctive. Most say they know by 6 weeks. I am thinking since still a peeper, it's a drake. Tertial feathers would direct to drake as well. Anyone have any thoughts. I have 3 week old female pekin and would like to add to my flock but holding off because not sure of sex of this Mallard. I took pictures of wings and bill.

As long it quacked, that means its a female. A male won't quack, I don't believe they are even capable of doing so.

 

[Quacky Cate]

It's just still young feather-wise and usually can't be 100% positive until they get their real plumage. even bill color can change in a few weeks time. It just hasn't quacked much. only a very few times did i hear a honk or quack that sounded like a female but it wasn't enough for me to say A-ha! that's a girl. Most people on here say 6 weeks they knew. Appreciate the feedback. I will still call it a he. (secretly hoping for a hen)

 

[neo71665]

Thats a hen

 

[Isaac 0]

It's just still young feather-wise and usually can't be 100% positive until they get their real plumage. even bill color can change in a few weeks time.

I disagree, I've raised lots of Mallards, and a male, at that age, would have a greenish bill, and some black/green appearing along the face.

If at any point in time, you've heard a quack/honk its a female.

That is her adult plumage.

 

[Quacky Cate]

I disagree, I've raised lots of Mallards, and a male, at that age, would have a greenish bill, and some black/green appearing along the face.

If at any point in time, you've heard a quack/honk its a female.

That is her adult plumage.

Thank you! That's why I ask you experts. I really appreciate the feedback.

 

[Quacky Cate]

Just wanted to update this thread. In case anyone has similar question in the future. Duck is now 11 weeks old and is a female. Definite quacks (yet still very quiet duck). Her coloring has remained the same. She is molting. Her bill is still orange and black and there is no green splotches or coloring to her head or face. She flies too.

 

[Fuchsia]

She flies too.

Did you know she was going to?