Is this a drake feather?

[Maddog_photog]

I have two 5-week old Pekin ducks, which I thought would be too young for Drake feathers. Is this a drake feather?

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Well it depends on the drake. Some are nice gentlemen that understand consent. Some will rape absolutely anything.

 

[Mylied]

No. Too young. Just a wonky feather.

 

[Mylied]

Whew! So there’s still hope for two hens!?

Sure. Any quacking yet?

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

If they are still peeping, probably drakes.

 

[Maddog_photog]

Sure. Any quacking yet?

Yes, one kinda had a HONK sound, the other has a peep. Kind of a raspy peep. But a peep nonetheless.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

By five weeks hens should be quacking some. Kind of peep, peep quax. If you have only peeps probably drakes.

 

[Mylied]

Yes, one kinda had a HONK sound, the other has a peep. Kind of a raspy peep. But a peep nonetheless.

I wouldn't totally give up hope but most likely you have one of each. Drakes aren't bad compared to most male animals. They're quiet and not usually aggressive. They just like to mate a lot.

 

[Mylied]

I’m awaiting the arrival of two straight run mallards. What do I do re: mating issues if one or, God forbid, BOTH are drakes?

If you end up with a female, you don't want more than one drake in such a small group. They would probably hurt her. If it's all males, they'll just mate each other. So rehome if you get more than 1 male with females or get a bunch more females.

 

[Maddog_photog]

I wouldn't totally give up hope but most likely you have one of each. Drakes aren't bad compared to most male animals. They're quiet and not usually aggressive. They just like to mate a lot.

This is reassuring. Drakes don’t sound like total A-holes like Sea Otters.