The Duck Thread

[Julie Birb]

Good grief, they are 8 weeks now... I should know! LOL Again... they seem to like makin it rough on momma.

Ok, so here's Chibs bills to compare. The top two pics are a couple of weeks old, or older. The bottom two pics were taken yesterday and today. Definite difference, but would their bills turn like this just from being young or do you think its a female thing? Are these freckles?

She, positive reinforcement as to gender here, is so cute. Look at her face. I can only reiterate that the one and only pekin I have ever been exposed to in my life went from a super clear bill to one very spotted as she matured into the wonderful young woman she is today. At first John, her owner, was concerned about it but he and even I did some research last year and if I remember, it was related to hormones.

 

[Debs Flock]

Oh, joy! Freckled bills are adorable!! Thanks for sharing @WVduckchick .

All, I just wanted to share something kind of handy because I was reading yesterday that at least a few people are bucketing out the water from kiddie pools. We bought a basic kitchen drain for $11. Used a utility knife to cut a circle in the pool and screwed on the drain. It works perfectly. I just pull the drain so no dumping, bucketing, etc. The pool has to be a bit elevated under the drain for it to work/sit right on the ground.

 

[WVduckchick]

What made you think Drake? that is interesting about the females getting freckles neat way of determining sexes

I've always thought it was a drake because of my 4, I have 2 that quack loudly and often, so I'm sure they are girls! The one in the pictures has always been vocal, but with the softer, raspier peeps, so I always assumed boy, but now I'm wondering if maybe it just doesn't quack much. My 4th one is overall quiet, so I'm still not sure about it either! They are 8 weeks old, so I thought I would know for sure by now... lol

 

[WVduckchick]

Oh, joy! Freckled bills are adorable!! Thanks for sharing @WVduckchick .

All, I just wanted to share something kind of handy because I was reading yesterday that at least a few people are bucketing out the water from kiddie pools. We bought a basic kitchen drain for $11. Used a utility knife to cut a circle in the pool and screwed on the drain. It works perfectly. I just pull the drain so no dumping, bucketing, etc. The pool has to be a bit elevated under the drain for it to work/sit right on the ground.

That sounds like a great idea. As long as the ducks can't accidentally drain it. Sounds like my hubby's next great project! (I use a shovel to slop the water out until it gets down to where I can lift it to dump) And mine isn't elevated, but I bet the drain could be put on the side, just down at the bottom. At least that would allow the majority to drain easily.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've always thought it was a drake because of my 4, I have 2 that quack loudly and often, so I'm sure they are girls! The one in the pictures has always been vocal, but with the softer, raspier peeps, so I always assumed boy, but now I'm wondering if maybe it just doesn't quack much. My 4th one is overall quiet, so I'm still not sure about it either! They are 8 weeks old, so I thought I would know for sure by now... lol

Maybe she just can't get a word in edgewise you know how that is sometimes. lol well you'll know for sure in about a month those curled tail feathers will begin appearing on your boys. Keep us updated.

 

[Chrysolinsbirds]

That sounds like a great idea.  As long as the ducks can't accidentally drain it.  Sounds like my hubby's next great project!  (I use a shovel to slop the water out until it gets down to where I can lift it to dump)  And mine isn't elevated, but I bet the drain could be put on the side, just down at the bottom.  At least that would allow the majority to drain easily.

Ooh could put a faucet head to run the water to the garden or flower beds =) with a wide hose.

 

[WVduckchick]

Maybe she just can't get a word in edgewise you know how that is sometimes. lol well you'll know for sure in about a month those curled tail feathers will begin appearing on your boys. Keep us updated.

Haha! that's the truth. Those girls are mouthy!

And ya mean I have to wait another month for drake feather??? Geesh! lol

Ooh could put a faucet head to run the water to the garden or flower beds =) with a wide hose.

And yet another great add-on idea!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Haha! that's the truth. Those girls are mouthy!

And ya mean I have to wait another month for drake feather??? Geesh! lol



And yet another great add-on idea!

Aren't they usually around 3.5 4 months before the tail starts to curl, having Muscovy's I don't get to see that.

 

[WVduckchick]

Aren't they usually around 3.5 4 months before the tail starts to curl, having Muscovy's I don't get to see that.

I honestly can't remember. Varying opinions on when it shows up, if I remember right. I remembered that the voice was the earliest way, besides vent sexing. Then I found that freckle thing.

 

[duckies1230]

Oh, don't be sorry about asking.  I can't offer any help since I don't own ducks but you have a ton of experienced and caring people on this site who can help.  I am glad sweetie JoJo hasn't had any episodes.  I wonder if his pace for development is just different than Charlie's?  Does he eat okay?

Yea he eats fine. Charlie's a pig and JoJo is submissive but he's getting enough. A lil bit ago I had JoJo and charlie in their pool and my daughter in her own baby pool out in the yard. They were loving it. The ducks were crazy happy, same pool as always but they were frantically going under water and in fast circles, etc. It was hilarious. Point being Charlie has done this but not JoJo. When they were soaked they would fluff out their feathers and spread and flap their wings, first time for JoJo and I was so happy for him especially since it was worrying me and I just mentioned it. Since all the advice, he's been great. No episodes but its only been a few days, I'm praying he stays strong! So far he's good! Im trying to find out why people give ducks Apple cider vinegar, I'm new to this and I have no idea. Do u know?