Pekin Duck Questions

[nannencho]

I got 4 pekin ducklings in April. I have been trying to figure out who is male and who is female and I thought I had 2 and 2. 2 of them are a bit smaller and make a lot more noise (female?) and 2 are larger. 1 of the larger guys can hardly even quack--it's this faint little squeak--and the other one makes some noise but not nearly as much as the other 2. They started laying eggs in August and there would be 1 or 2 a day. Now there are 3-4 eggs a day...I am wondering if 2 females could lay that many or if there is at least one more that's a female?

Also, they have a pond that's a stock tank (6' diameter) but it's 3' high. I have to put them in it and then take them out. I'd love to be able to build a ramp or something so they could get in and out easily. Does anyone have suggestions on how to go about doing that?

Thanks

 

[Marty1876]

Girls make loud clear quacks, and boys are more weird and muffled sounds.

Boys will have a curly tail in the back on their tail, it really curls up, and the girls won't

Sometimes you find eggs they laid before, but it is weird to find 4 if you have 2 males.

Folks use boards with rugs on them (like a ramp), or rocks with dirt over them, some use bricks but its not recommended for duck feet. You could use blocks, but you'll need some on the inside accross from the entrace so ducks can easily get back out in the right spot for their "ramp".

I know there are pics at "the thread formerly known as hatch day is today" but you'll want to do a search. Both Jazzmineszoo and celticoaksfarm have pics I think.

 

[blondiebee181]

My grandpa gave me the best advice...ever heard a duck call used for hunting? That's what females sound like. Males are very raspy/croaky. You can youtube duck sounds and there are lots of videos there that will give you an idea of the difference. There are several threads that have lots of pics about duck setups...the one I was following a while back was called "post any and all waterfowl pics here" or something and it had a lot of cool setup pics...you can search it in the forum or on my profile. I had a pekin once, he was my first duck...they are cool ducks, mine was very friendly too.

 

[feathersweet]

my 9 wk old Pekin started to squeek today. Is that normal?

 

[Blondiega1]

my 9 wk old Pekin started to squeek today. Is that normal?

My hens make all kinds of squeaky noises and they are over a year old.


See video attached.

Boys mumble.
Girls QUACK and LOUDLY!!!

Also, a male will develop the drake feather.

Here's a video I took of my hens fussing. She's at the waters edge and hard to see with the sun reflecting off the lake.

The first two you hear are hens.

Then from the right of the screen you can see a drake come in and hear how much quieter and more "croaky" he is comparatively.


Can you hear the difference?

 

[feathersweet]

first, thank you! I love the video : D ! I was concerned too, Sunshine (pekin) may have had something else going on. No drake feathers yet. our mallard (got four ducklings now same age) has her quake...very clear. Listening for sounds to try and get a clue on others (also Magpie and Khaki Campbell). Good news, the Pekin is not sick...or feather stuck in bill. Love them...pulled all nighter watching to make sure okay. Now, lots of squeaks like trumpet sound. Thanks for connecting.