How to Tell If a Duck Is Male or Female When It Is Little

If you are interested in raising or breeding ducks, you must be able to determine their sex at a young age so you can prevent unwanted breeding patterns by separating them according to gender. Younger ducks can only be sexed through the process of venting, which can be a bit challenging to do and may cause harm to the duck if not done properly. While no specialty tools are needed, it may be helpful to have someone assist you with restraining the duck during the procedure.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Catch the bird you want to sex and place it on its back. Properly restrain the duck so you can prevent it from cutting you with its feet or biting you.

    • 2

      Place the bird's head under your arm with its back against your knee while sitting on the ground. The tail of the bird should be facing outward. It may be helpful to have someone hold the ducks legs.

    • 3

      Press the tail the duck down by applying gentle pressure on both sides with your hands. This will open the ducks vent. If any waste is secreted while opening the vent, wipe it away with a clean towel.

    • 4

      If the sex organ of the bird is not visible, insert a finger into the vent to tire the muscle surrounding it so the bird will reveal it.

    • 5

      As the bird relaxes, begin looking for the sex organ to emerge from the vent. A penis will be exhibited in male ducks, while a female duck will display pink colored folds.