Discussion of Duck facts and myths

[DiYMama540]

https://www.thecapecoop.com/11-amazing-duck-facts/

https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/science-environment-40016817

The above links will take you to articles of duck facts/myths that I've found to be a bit far fetched, but at the same time fascinating. I'm hoping together we can make better sense through experience as to what is absolutely true, and what is most likely false.

Up for discussion is...
A. The drake penis falling off only to be regrown for breeding season.
B. Ducks, and other birds, being able to change genders.
C. Any other controversial facts we arrive at.

Please respect everyone's opinions and research, this is strictly a learning project.
With that being said, educate and enlighten me please!

 

[DiYMama540]

I'll start us off...

The 2nd article of the guy's experience with Mandarins leads me to believe, if birds can in fact change genders it would only be female to male? He goes on to explain that the change is due to an ovary dying in the female, leaving her without the added female hormones. Seems like a solid case for this, although I don't know how common it would be.

And the drake penis, I've not kept ducks long enough to notice a missing penis yet, though I do try to give Tom his privacy for the most part.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You mean you haven't found one[penis] laying in the yard? My drake lost his drake feather out there some where.

 

[DiYMama540]

No I've not found a penis lying around anywhere, but I suppose it would be possible for the body to absorb it rather than it fall off. That one especially is still on my myth list unless someone has research or proof otherwise.

@casportpony pointed me towards this thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/peahen-turning-into-a-peacock-at-4-years-old.1196465/
That discussed a peahen transitioning to a peacock.

Wonder if they can reproduce as males after a transition?

 

[casportpony]

Wonder if they can reproduce as males after a transition?

I'm gonna say no to that.

No I've not found a penis lying around anywhere, but I suppose it would be possible for the body to absorb it rather than it fall off. That one especially is still on my myth list unless someone has research or proof otherwise.

No penises here either, so I say myth.

 

[FortCluck]

This is very interesting. I've seen several articles say they fall off, but I do not believe it is true

 

[DiYMama540]

Unfortunately, the author of the amazing duck facts doesn't seem to cite any sources. Would love to know what started that myth.

 

[casportpony]

Unfortunately, the author of the amazing duck facts doesn't seem to cite any sources. Would love to know what started that myth.

Pet peeve of mine is people not citing sources.

 

[DiYMama540]

Agreed, and if they are coming up with this theory on their own, at least explain how they came to that conclusion!

 

[Kusanar]

Birds can somewhat transition between genders, if something happens to their natural hormones, they can start to look a bit like the other gender. Capons look very henish, and Poulards look very male. They will not be able to reproduce as either gender as they are no longer completely either gender.