Female ducklings can start quacking as soon as they’re 2 weeks old, but it may take them as long as 8 weeks for them to quack properly. [1] X Research source
Unlike their female counterpart, male ducks actually grow quieter as they grow older and are harder to distinguish from the females. Male Muscovy ducks may hiss instead so also be on the look out for this particular variation. You can research male and female duckling voices online. [2] X Research source
For instance, a male Mallard holds a rich chocolate color and has a white collar around its neck. The male’s colorful feathers is purpose-built to attract mates in mating season. The more flashy the duck, the more likely they’ll find a mate.
For instance, a female Mallard is chestnut brown all over with a gray and orange bill. There is a great amount of variation in duck coloration so be sure to research your particular duck species to find any breed-specific distinguishing colors.
The drake feather resembles several of the duck’s normal feathers that have curled up and back towards the duck.
If in doubt, get someone more experienced to physically show you how to vent a duck. It is not a process that should be guessed at.
You can use a table to be more steady if you think the duckling will sit still.
With your thumb, gently apply pressure about 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) below the duck’s vent. [9] X Research source The duck may accidentally excrete at this point. Wipe it off and reapply the pressure.
When you feel pushback, let go for a few seconds, then press in once more. By doing so, you are inverting the cloaca (the animal’s urinary tract). [10] X Research source If the cloaca doesn’t invert, try applying pressure again until it does.
Sometimes a male duck can be mistaken for a female if it hides its genitals. This can be double checked by venting the duck again when it’s a little bigger.
