Male or female muscovy ducklings??

[baikal7]

Hello I just wanted some advice on what anyone thinks my two muscovy ducklings might be. They are almost 6 weeks old and have been developing at the exact same rate and are the same size so I haven’t been able to tell if one is male or female. I did try vent sexing when they were younger and assumed I had 2 females but I’m still fairly new at that method so not completely sure. I have attached photos of them below

 

[sourland]

Given their apparent size at 6 weeks of age, I would guess that they are drakes. Time will tell.

 

[Yardmom]

Are they making a variety of sounds still? Are they doing any huffing?

 

[baikal7]

Are they making a variety of sounds still? Are they doing any huffing?

Yes they are making plenty of chirping noises and are quite talkative at times, I haven’t yet noticed any obvious huffing

 

[Raenh]

I think they are males, too... looking at their bills and feet - males have a more broad bill and kinda sturdier looking feet and legs.

 

[baikal7]

I think they are males, too... looking at their bills and feet - males have a more broad bill and kinda sturdier looking feet and legs.

Yeah I’m starting to think they are too their legs are really thick compared to photos I have seen of females. It’s my first time raising muscovies so honestly have had no idea what to look out for

 

[Raenh]

Yeah I’m starting to think they are too their legs are really thick compared to photos I have seen of females. It’s my first time raising muscovies so honestly have had no idea what to look out for

I didnt either, when i first found Speedy i thought she was male cause she was so aggressive and protective and fancy was a female cause he so timid and scared. They were my first and I think it was cause I was soooo focused on them and trying to be good to them that I paid A LOT of attention to every detail as they grew. Im deaf and that probably contributes to my observations, as well. You'll start to see the differences when you get more, if you do. I just got lucky and was able to have 1 of each.

 

[Raenh]

Oh and they won't start huffing (males)or trilling (females) until about hmm I think Speedy was 2 or 3 months when she started trolling and calling to fancy. I honestly dont remember when fancy first started huffing, all I know is one day it was like magic suddenly he wasn't scared of me anymore and became my cuddle bug.

 

[baikal7]

I didnt either, when i first found Speedy i thought she was male cause she was so aggressive and protective and fancy was a female cause he so timid and scared. They were my first and I think it was cause I was soooo focused on them and trying to be good to them that I paid A LOT of attention to every detail as they grew. Im deaf and that probably contributes to my observations, as well. You'll start to see the differences when you get more, if you do. I just got lucky and was able to have 1 of each.

Speedy is exactly how Noah acts at the moment! Weirdly enough our other one is the polar opposite and is so chilled out all of the time. Hopefully planning to get more in the near future as I’ve absolutely fell in love with the breed because of these two

 

[baikal7]

Oh and they won't start huffing (males)or trilling (females) until about hmm I think Speedy was 2 or 3 months when she started trolling and calling to fancy. I honestly dont remember when fancy first started huffing, all I know is one day it was like magic suddenly he wasn't scared of me anymore and became my cuddle bug.

Thanks for letting me know that! Quite excited for when they do get their voices as I’ve only heard what they sound like through youtube so far