Muscovy genders

[Crazy Maizie]

They like to move so it’s hard to get pics.

They are a little young, but if you see clown feet and a lot of sitting down with a bulky head - most likely drake.

 

[LydiaB]

They are a little young, but if you see clown feet and a lot of sitting down with a bulky head - most likely drake.

So far they all look, act and sound the same. I just saw a different thread that said you can tell at 4 weeks So I guess I’ll wait and see.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

So far they all look, act and sound the same. I just saw a different thread that said you can tell at 4 weeks So I guess I’ll wait and see.

Experience helps for when they are younger. It's just hard off of photos at this age.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Have you looked at this link? It can help identify muscovy genders. https://www.raising-ducks.com/determining-muscovy-gender/

 

[Crazy Maizie]

It's really too soon to tell. From 6 weeks old the males continue to grow but the females don't

The females get a sweet little gurgling voice that drakes do not. Once there are gurgles you know for certain which are female

I had Max who was thought to be male as he grew so rapidly as a rescued duckling, but he stopped growing at 6 weeks old and then it became obvious Max was Maxine when she started gurgling.

I have Daffy who I thought was female as he was small and gentle. He kept growing and growing and became a 14lb magnificent drake. He's nolonger gentle -- when he follows me round the backyard, he is fond of biting my shins and ankles.

I have a shin biter too!

 

[LydiaB]

I have a shin biter too!

This is why I don’t plan to keep a drake….

 

[LydiaB]

Experience helps for when they are younger. It's just hard off of photos at this age.

I’ll be patient. It’s my first time with Muscovy. So I don’t know anything.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

This is why I don’t plan to keep a drake….

Well, to be fair, he's got a lot of personality.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I’ll be patient. It’s my first time with Muscovy. So I don’t know anything.

We all start somewhere.

 

[LydiaB]

I’ve been attempting to closely observe them for signs. All 3 have the same size feet and are about the same size. 2 have more feathers than the third. All still sing, but are young to start hissing. I do enjoy the noise they make, much more musical than mallard derived ducks. I’ll keep updating as they get older. Currently they are just over 5 weeks.