June 28th 2008
It is possible to identify a duck and a drake from about 5 weeks of age. There are a number of ways of distinguishing between a duck and a drake.
The tail feathers. It is the male that has curling tail feathers.
Colour of plumage. Some breeds of duck the male are more brightly coloured.
Colour of bill. Some breeds show a different colour in their bills from about 6 weeks between the male and female, where the females is usually darker.
Body size. Drakes usually have larger bodies and heads.
The quack. The drake has a softer quack, whereas the female has a louder more distinctive quack. The distinction by call can be made from 5 weeks onwards.
Drake Duck Ducks Sexing Ducks
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Some interesting facts on ducks Sara, which I didn’t know. I am the louder more distinctive quacker in our house! x
Comment by Louise — June 29, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Hi Louise,
It’s amazing how quickly you can pick up facts about animals just by observing them.
Thanks for your positive comments as always.
Sara @ farmingfriends
Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — June 29, 2008 @ 11:55 am