Pekin Duck Sexing

[Jessi.Smith]

Our friend bought 5 pekin ducklings from tractor supply on August 18th. They were the largest of the ducklings there, but we dont know how old they are. He has had them for 8 weeks, so we know they are older than 8 weeks. One didn't make it (dang raccoon got it), but I am wondering if it is possible to sex the remaining 4. It is hard to determine who makes what noise, they associate people with food and all start going at the same time when they see someone. In the pictures, I numbered each duck. Some have "messy" looking tails and others look more put together. It is hard to get good pics, the only time they like people is when there is food involved. #1 has a lighter bill, not sure if that means anything.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

You should grab each one and walk away from the others. You will figure out what type of sound they make individually.

 

[Jessi.Smith]

That would require me catching them! To get them in their coop, you have to put the food in it, walk away, and then go close the door once they are all inside. They come fairly close to you if you are standing, but as soon as you try to squat or bend over they are off. I don't think any of us are fast enough (or coordinated enough in my case, I am pretty clumbsy).

 

[PattyNH]

My male is the one with the lighter bill but I only have two and can catch them easily because they are still in their brooder. We have had them for 5 weeks and they aren't as feathered as yours.

 

[CayugaJana]

You will have to listen to them at this stage. Soon2B has good advice. You can’t tell by their look at this age, only voice. Do some of them sound a little different? Are some still peeping?

 

[Jessi.Smith]

I have not noticed any sounds that I would describe as different. I will google the sounds and then maybe my husband, the ducks owner, and I can chase them around and see if we can isolate who is saying what this weekend (if it doesn't rain). Right now to me they all sound like chatty quacks, the one I could tell that honked was killed by the raccoon.

 

[CayugaJana]

I take a stick in each hand and herd them into a corner. Then you can pick one up. The sticks are the key to skiddish ducks.

Here are some of my females

 

[Jessi.Smith]

Thanks!

 

[PattyNH]

YouTube was a HUGE help for me!