mallard ducklings

[ozark hen]

Any questions like that should be directed to Terry the moderator. Good photos on the sites listed in Terry's reply.

 

[DuckLady]

Thanks for all your kind words!

A duck always has the oil gland. My Sprocket duck started using hers at about 2 weeks old. The oil in the gland is not anything like you have in your home. In fact, introduced oils can damage the feathers waterproofing ability. The waterproofing comes more from grooming and placement of feathers that happens when they preen.

Here are some pics of the Bruiser Boys. They are Rouens, and not mallards, but the feathering and plumages are the same. I am looking for homes for them. If you are local and interested, drop me an email!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duckavenger/593713434/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duckavenger/593484269/

 

[ozark hen]

Terrie, my mallards are about 12 weeks old now. I know I have both sexes by their voices but still can't really tell them apart. some have that light brownish grey on their bellies and lower chests now but not all of them. Is that a drake trait?
edited to correct ducks age at the time.

 

[ml]

Carrie my little drake has just gotten the light belly feathers. So one out of three here is a drake, but they hatched out some time in May and now in Aug can see the difference in feathers.

ML

 

[chickenman]

My Rouen Drake started to get his Male feathers at about 2 months of age. My penkins have the same color feathers for the females and males. I was able to tell them apart by the diffrence in their quacks the male's where lower that also changed at about 2months of age.

 

[ozark hen]

cool, thank you ml and my ducks look like they are getting the "
brusier boys" coloring now on their backs and bellies, at least two so hopefully, I have two pair.

Thanks so much for the photos as they really do help.

 

[DuckLady]

Wow, great news on all your ducks. Sometimes it is more fun to watch the progression and they say that anticipation is half the fun!