Duckling gender?

[Mia's ducks]

So i have five Mallard ducklings and they are all developing brown and black feathers on their wings, tail, and stomach. Not sure if it's too soon to tell or not but judging by the pigment of the feathers they look like females so far.

 

[Pyxis]

All mallards start off looking female and then the males molt into nuptial colors later. The earliest way you're going to be able to tell their genders will be from their voices. Females will have a loud and braying quack while males will be low and raspy.

 

[chickens really]

Mallard Drakes will still have the classic green tint to their heads even before the juvenile molt...Once feathers come in after the down is replaced.....White collars too...

 

[Pyxis]

Mallard Drakes will still have the classic green tint to their heads even before the juvenile molt...Once feathers come in after the down is replaced.....White collars too...

Mine didn't. I guess I'll have to see if I can dig up his pictures from before the juvenile molt.

 

[Pyxis]

Haven't found him yet and might have to wait until I'm home to get out my old camera card, but here, this is what I mean:

See the colors of the juvenile male? Just like a female. Males only have green heads and collars after molting into nuptial (breeding) plumage. They in fact don't have them most of the year while they're in eclipse plumage even as adults.

 

[chickens really]

Sorry...I meant if you look closely it is apparent if Hens or Drakes at a younger age before they molt....

 

[Ravynscroft]

Agree with Pyxis... just an added FYI, juveniles can sometimes look like they have a green 'sheen' or shine to the feathers on their heads before their adult molt... that sheen/shine is NOT and indicator of gender... my Crash had it as a juvie and she is a 2 year old DEFINITE female...

 

[chickens really]

Just wait and see....All you can do....I sure did not intend to ruffle feathers?.....

Best wishes with your Ducklings....