Runner Duck Sexing

[ParksPoultry]

Hello duck keepers!

I have four runners. Two were sexed females, and two are straight run. The two straight runs are younger than my females and aren’t quacking yet. I’m not sure if that’s because they could both be males or if they’re just too young. There are no Drake feathers on their tails either. These two are two months old.
I thought I saw somewhere that bill color could indicate sex? Anyone want to take a guess?

 

[KathiQuacks]

I’d say male for your first based on bill color, but it’s more difficult to sex Blue ducks by their bills.

If I had to guess, since neither are quacking at 2 months, I’d say they’re both male. You won’t see a drake feather for a couple more weeks, or until they molt into their drake-plumage.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They could both be boys, but they also could just be late bloomers. Mine are about 8 weeks old and I still have a few that I'm not certain on

 

[ParksPoultry]

I’d say male for your first based on bill color, but it’s more difficult to sex Blue ducks by their bills.

If I had to guess, since neither are quacking at 2 months, I’d say they’re both male. You won’t see a drake feather for a couple more weeks, or until they molt into their drake-plumage.

That was kind of my feeling too. How many more females would I need to get to make it a healthy ratio? I’m still new to ducks, and I was planning on getting a few more anyway. Would these males be too big for a different variety like the Welsh Harlequin?

 

[Papaye]

Hi.

Bill colour, I have learned, is actually not accurate to determine if a duck is male or a female...

...Could you, maybe, post a picture of their rumps?

 

[KathiQuacks]

That was kind of my feeling too. How many more females would I need to get to make it a healthy ratio? I’m still new to ducks, and I was planning on getting a few more anyway.

I’d say at least 4 more females, the more the better.

Would these males be too big for a different variety like the Welsh Harlequin?

No, in fact Welshes should be a bit heavier than Runners. Weight won’t be a problem at all.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

That was kind of my feeling too. How many more females would I need to get to make it a healthy ratio? I’m still new to ducks, and I was planning on getting a few more anyway. Would these males be too big for a different variety like the Welsh Harlequin?

Only variety I wouldn't trust with runner drakes are calls and crested. Runners are pretty small in my experience, so they don't have the worries that like a Pekin drake would

 

[ParksPoultry]

I’d say at least 4 more females, the more the better.

No, in fact Welshes should be a bit heavier than Runners. Weight won’t be a problem at all.

Okay thank you! I’d like a few more runners and some welsh harlequins. I’ll probably go with a Hatchery to ensure I’m getting females. These “boys” are so pretty though.

 

[ParksPoultry]

Only variety I wouldn't trust with runner drakes are calls and crested. Runners are pretty small in my experience, so they don't have the worries that like a Pekin drake would

Okay, thank you! I’m really wanting more ground-dwelling ducks anyway. I love my runners but I also want some mild ducks that don’t mind being picked up.

 

[Apolinne]

Hi, I have no idea what they are, but the black one is gorgeous