When?

[The Red Rooster]

When will my mallard get his mature freathers in? It seems like he's really taking his time!!

 

[mr.mc.]

lol I was just thinking about that.

sorry I dont think I can help.

 

[ChickInDelight]

Mine were born mid April. The boys have almost turned colors now, but their heads are still patchy green.

 

[The Red Rooster]

mr.mc. :

lol I was just thinking about that.

sorry I dont think I can help.

Thats fine!

 

[The Red Rooster]

Quote:
Yeah mine are getting some feather's on the head.

 

[Oregon Blues]

12-20 weeks, but the fall plumage is probably going to be eclipse.

 

[Chriswardens52]

Oregon Blues what is eclipse plumage actually?

 

[Oregon Blues]

Males have 2 different feather patterns. When they are courting, during the mating season, they are brightly colored to attract the females.

Outside of breeding season, they are colored much like the females, in order to not attract predators.

Bright colors is "nuptial plumage", dull colors is "eclipse plumage".

 

[greymane]

Wow. Thanks, Oregon Blues. One more thing I have learned on here.