Sexing Ducklings

[BirdGirl2004]

Hey ya'll, I am going to be purchasing some ducklings this spring (in the next 2 months, SO EXCITING

) and I was going to get them as straight run and hatchery choice from Orscheln Farm and Home just wanted to know if there was a definite way to determine there sex. Thanks.

 

[Bills vs Beaks]

What breeds do you plan to get? Certain breeds can be sex linked (different colours for males and females). However, most of the time the only sure way to tell very early is vent sexing, which should only be done by a professional, because it involves bending the duckling backward and turning the cloaca inside out.
I leave that stuff alone, and wait till about 15 weeks to tell by the voice.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

Well, that's what i was having trouble about... I was going to get hatchery choice (a random mix of ducklings) so I am not sure.

 

[Ren2014]

I strongly recommend you buy them sexed. Male to female ratio is very important when they are breeding age. If you have too many males your females will get hurt. A good ratio is 1 male to 3-4 females.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

If I have more than 1 or 2 drakes I will butcher them.

By the way I love your "signature" at the bottom.

 

[Ren2014]

If I have more than 1 or 2 drakes I will butcher them.

By the way I love your "signature" at the bottom.

I wish I knew how to butcher.

Thank you.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

My brother has taught me basically everything I need to know about butchering... so I'm set!

 

[Ren2014]

My brother has taught me basically everything I need to know about butchering... so I'm set!

That's great! There is a place around here that has classes in butchering. I am hoping to take a class one day.

Speaking of signatures... I like yours! Have you thought about becoming a bird Veterinarian? We definitely need more of them

 

[BirdGirl2004]

mmm. never thought about it. maybe so.