What sex are my mallard ducklings?

[mcnicolclan]

I got my first 4 mallard ducklings from Tractor Supply. They are now about 5 wks old and fully feathered. They all look exactly alike with brown feathers, some white/blue on the wings and their heads are black with a green shine. At this point can I assume they are all female or does the male coloring show up later?

 

[Ms.Frizzle]

For the most part, the bills on the males have/develop a green color vs the females with a yellow/orange. I havn't owned them, but know the genral concept from my natural resource class.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

at this point in time, the hens should have their "quack". Pick each one up, and they'll wmit a distress call. They females should be developing a quack, whereas they males maintain their rasp.

 

[duckking]

I agree - it's the quack vs. the rasp. The difference is absolute.

 

[lovin my birds]

I know rouens are a little different from mallards. But i can definately say that i agree with duckking and Yellow House Farm. The quack should be in. On my rouen i could also tell the difference in bill color. Mine are about the same age and my male looks exactly like my female except he has a greenish tent to his bill and hers is dark with yellow orange.

Edited to say: The males will look like the famales until the reach maturity. That when they get the male coloring.

 

[dumb_cluck]

A greenish tint on the top of the head tells me drake. The voice (quack vs raspy & hoarse) is another indicator. The females are LOUD.

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

with our TSC mallards last year, all four looked alike. The voice told the difference. When the ducklings were around 4 months old, the drake started to molt & change colors and get his boy feathers/coloring.

 

[vweston]

I to am confused with mine. They all sound the same to me. They are starting to turn white. R there other cues to tell em apart