Gender changing white Call duck

[The Moonshiner]

I can understand the ovary damage thing and even the hens that end up crowing but I don't believe those situations are very common and aren't really what I was talking about.
40 years of poultry and I personally haven't had either happen.
The deal with what you said about roosters I don't believe except maybe in rare situations.
I have and raise a lot of roosters and never seen any of that.
Like the OPs situation there was none of that. Just mistaken of sex and in other cases its the same. Someone thrown off by comb size of lack of saddle feathers at a young age or something like that.
Point was how in the world do people think a bird changes sex as often as I see it here.
How do people think its possible? Do they not see how unrealistic that idea is?

 

[Mahoneycoop]

Thanks for everyone’s replies. Interesting article on this topic on this link:

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

As for just collecting the eggs, it is an option.... it’s been such a wonderful experience being up close in a ducks life, they have so much character, They don’t lay at all except these 2 lots of ducklings so seems quite intentional to create a family. I didn’t want to disturb that. Taking away Lou will eliminate the problem.

 

[Mahoneycoop]

I can understand the ovary damage thing and even the hens that end up crowing but I don't believe those situations are very common and aren't really what I was talking about.
40 years of poultry and I personally haven't had either happen.
The deal with what you said about roosters I don't believe except maybe in rare situations.
I have and raise a lot of roosters and never seen any of that.
Like the OPs situation there was none of that. Just mistaken of sex and in other cases its the same. Someone thrown off by comb size of lack of saddle feathers at a young age or something like that.
Point was how in the world do people think a bird changes sex as often as I see it here.
How do people think its possible? Do they not see how unrealistic that idea is?

... I guess that’s why people like myself join these forums, to ask questions, learn more, gain understanding, all in the hope that they won’t be criticised for it. I will never be so sure of myself to eliminate the mysteries of life, to assume our human brain has all the answers.. about any topic. Just keep asking questions and being open. Thank you Moonshiner.

 

[Geena]

How do people think its possible? Do they not see how unrealistic that idea is?

I think people just like to look for zebras. I suppose because it's more fun and exciting?
I doubt the Moonshiner meant any offense to you OP, believe it or not this question comes up here more frequently than you would imagine.

 

[casportpony]

Here is a thread about a peahen that started growing male plumage:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/peahen-turning-into-a-peacock-at-4-years-old.1196465/

I can understand the ovary damage thing and even the hens that end up crowing but I don't believe those situations are very common and aren't really what I was talking about.
40 years of poultry and I personally haven't had either happen.

You've never had hens crow?
I've probably had 20 or so do this and always thought it was semi-normal.

 

[The Moonshiner]

You've never had hens crow?
I've probably had 20 or so do this and always thought it was semi-normal.

No I have never had a hen crow and I've had thousands of birds over the years.
I've also never seen anyone else's hen crow in person.
Same goes for a hen growing male specific feathers or plumage.
I believe it happens but never seen it.
Guess I should add that I've never owned a hen only flock. I've always had roosters.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Thanks for everyone’s replies. Interesting article on this topic on this link:

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

As for just collecting the eggs, it is an option.... it’s been such a wonderful experience being up close in a ducks life, they have so much character, They don’t lay at all except these 2 lots of ducklings so seems quite intentional to create a family. I didn’t want to disturb that. Taking away Lou will eliminate the problem.

Remember call ducks are seasonal layers, roughly 80 eggs a year I think is what I read, so you wouldn't have to be gathering eggs continuously.
Do you have other duck friends or will getting rid of the drake leave her by herself? Ducks do better with friends
Just something to consider before you decide.

 

[casportpony]

hen crows at about 40 seconds in:

 

[The Moonshiner]

hen crows at about 40 seconds in:

Just being a smart @$$

 

[MissChick@dee]

I’m guessing they believe old wives tales. Like throwing the first egg from a chicken over the barn as it’s not edible.

ETA: I’ve had a rooster that would mount anything. Including my other rooster.