Welsh Harlequins - male or female?!

[Clare M]

Hello, we’ve kept chickens for years, and this year for the first time have hatched some ducklings. These are Welsh harlequins, now 7 weeks old, but still not sure which are males and which are females. I know their voices should give a clue, but can’t tell if they are proper quacky female noises or not?! Photo attached, opinions welcome! Thank you, Clare

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Clare and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

 

[N F C]

Hi Clare, I bet you can find someone over on the Ducks forum to help you out: Ducks

Best wishes!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to the BYC family.

 

[sourland]

Hello, Clare, and welcome to BYC.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. Your Duck's are Beautiful ! Thank's for sharing the picture. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska !

 

[cmom]

I have little knowledge about ducks. Good luck and have fun...

 

[Yardmom]

WH go through a lot of changes that give clues to gender. The bills go through several color changes. Assuming they are not crossed with other breeds. If you notice the color of the bills at hatch it could have given a clue for genders. I think at this age they may be changing to much to compare. Others with more experience may know though. Feathers on a drake tend to be darker and soon drakes will have green heads. It sounds like you already know to listen for quack and rasps. The drakes voices also tend to come later. I would guess the one second from the right to be a drake. I would guess the other darker one to be a darker hen.

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC! I don't know about that breed, I raise wild ducks and mute swans but I know someone in the duck forum does .