Sexing Welsh Harlequin Ducklings

[Just Rosie]

Hello all! I’m SUPER happy to announce that I just hatched my second batch of ducks ever! It went slightly better than last time, with a 50% hatch rate vs 33% (Ducks are more challenging for me to hatch thus far!)

With my first batch (also Welsh Harlequins), I began to try and sex them, but honestly was lazy about it. I intend to sell them straight run anyway.

But, this batch I would like to keep at least 2 females for myself.
To me, their beak coloring is not as obvious as some pics I’ve seen, but I think I have the idea. (I do understand that sexing them is not always accurate if the line of ducks is “muddy” or just not bred for the sex link trait.) I bought the parents as adults so I have no idea.

ANYWAY. I would just like some outside opinions of people who are experienced at sexing WH, or even if you just want to take a guess.

I feel like 1 and 2 are definitely male. I feel reasonably confident that 3-6 are female, but I have a harder time sexing them as their beaks are a bit muddled, vs a clear pink. And 6’s beak tip is not super dark, which makes me think maybe she is a male? What do you think?

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[AgnesGray]

Hmmm.... those are a little hazy. WH are so adorable as littles though, aren't they?!

The bill sexing trait, when it's been maintained is about 70% accurate, I've been told. That being said, if I was going to pick a few out of these hoping for hens, I'd probably choose 3 and 5.

 

[Just Rosie]

Hmmm.... those are a little hazy. WH are so adorable as littles though, aren't they?!

The bill sexing trait, when it's been maintained is about 70% accurate, I've been told. That being said, if I was going to pick a few out of these hoping for hens, I'd probably choose 3 and 5.

Yes! I haven’t had ducklings (or ducks) since I was about 10 or so, so these ducklings are the first babies I’ve had in a while and I forgot how much I love them!! They’re so soft, they don’t feel like they have bones LOL

I agree, I was semi-disappointed in the color definition of their beaks. But then I remembered how these were the only WHs I could find in my area, and they were still 5 hours away!! Oh well, selective breeding it is.

What’s weird is while I was incubating those eggs, I had a silkie hen laying on 10 WH eggs as well. Of the 6 that hatched, 3 have VERY pink bills with VERY dark tips. To me it is much more obvious they are female; I had no trouble guessing! (Well, I’m presuming they’re female.) I will definitely be keeping those 3 for now!

 

[AgnesGray]

Nice! Were those from a different bloodline? I love my harlies. So sweet and gentle. Enjoy your new babies!!

 

[Just Rosie]

Nice! Were those from a different bloodline? I love my harlies. So sweet and gentle. Enjoy your new babies!!

As far as I know, they’re from the same line; I bought all of them from the same man. The only thing I can think of is that the eggs I incubated moat have been mostly from one duck (my first layer), or, my 3rd duck has started laying and I haven’t taken notice yet!