Instructions
Examine the feather coloration of the adult bird. Male ducks generally have brightly colored plumage, whereas female ducks have darker coloration to help provide camouflage while nesting.
Compare the size of ducks from the same breed and age. For many breeds male ducks tend to be slightly larger and heavier than female ducks.
Listen to their quack. Female ducks tend to quack louder than male ducks.
Look for curled tail feathers. When male ducks approach 6 months of age their tail feathers begin to curl upward. Females do not have the curled feathers.
How to Tell the Gender of a Duck
Raising ducks as pets or for food in your own backyard has gained in popularity as a hobby. Determining the gender of a duck can be tricky, especially if they are just hatched ducklings. Although it is possible for a trained professional to look at the duck's genitals through a procedure called venting, this process may harm the bird if performed improperly. However, there are easier methods for finding out if your duck is male or female once they mature.