Mallards or Rouens? Are any drakes?

[Rhandi74]

Are these Mallard or Rouen?

Do you see any drakes(not the pekin)?

All ducks are the same age.

 

[popsicle]

They look small next to the Pekin, so I guess Mallard. I think the best way to tell if you have any drakes at this age is by the quack, hens quack and drakes sound like they have sore throats. Otherwise be on the lookout for curly tails.

 

[Rhandi74]

All their tails are very straight and 2 of them quack. I know I have 2 Pekin drakes because their tail feathers curl. The Pekins are about 2 times the others size. Thank you

 

[popsicle]

The Pekins might mature faster than the Mallards, but I'm not certain. How old are they?

 

[Rhandi74]

They are 6 weeks old and the mallards got their feathers first but defiantly grow slower. My Pekins grow like crazy, every day they are bigger.

 

[Rhandi74]

Here they are when I first got them

 

[popsicle]

I suspect it's too early yet to decide if you have any drakes or not. Metzer Farms has a nice spread showing their breeder flocks growing: http://www.metzerfarms.com/GrowingDucklings.cfm?CustID=2501166
According to that page: Seven Weeks Old No curly feathers on the tails of the males yet. Should be soon!

I have eight week old Pekins, I don't think there are curly feathers on mine yet, but one quacks and the other doesn't.

 

[Rhandi74]

thank you, that site was helpful. I will just wait it out. How many hens should you have per drake? Also will it hurt to have the two breeds together at laying age? I am assuming I am going to have to find at least one drake a home.