Mallard's beak turned green and has a sore?

[Alas]

Can anyone tell me whats wrong with my duck? I noticed about a week ago that his/her beak was a different color than the rest, but didnt seem to be having any problems. Thought maybe it meant that it may be a different sex than the rest. Today I go to feed them and it has this sore-looking thing in the middle.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Ducks often scrape their beaks since they use them so often to search for food. Keeping the bill clean is difficult but important if they have a wound. He may have a bit of a divot there when it is healed though. You are right about the beak colour issue- turning green is a sign that you have a drake.

 

[Alas]

I'm glad its a drake. the other 5 are female. The sore looks more like a scab this morning. Hopeful that it is going to heal okay. These are my first ducks and they were a surprise aquisition. I dont know enough about them and it makes me nervous. The bill turning colors right before he hurt it had me freaking out that it was rotting off or something

Thanks for getting back to me. He lets me catch him sometimes, so I'm going to see what I can do to help him keep it clean.

 

[grandbayou]

Sore probably from rubbing on feeder.