Pacific black ducks

["Carol-Jane" <>]

Hello,

 

I've only just subscribed to your mailing list as a 'born again bird lover'.  Used to have a huge interest in birds, but it had slackened off for a few years.  Now, I'm back in the swing and surprised by how much I can tell people about Aussie wildbirds. Recently went to a bush Bed & Breakfast with another couple.  She's a botany and zoology graduate, and she could cover most native plant species, but I covered the bird life!

 

So, getting round to my reason for subscirbing.  I've been a member of Fauna Rescue in SA for a few years now and specialise in ducks.  I've raised many broods of Pacific Blacks and a few Wood Ducks.  I know how to tell the difference between male and female Woodies, but I've only been able to tell the difference between the male & female Blacks when they start quacking.  Does anyone know of a way to tell when they're still ducklings??  And, no, I don't have any chicken sexing equipment before anyone asks. :)  (although we are raising three chooks for egg production at the moment too, and we're assured they're all girls - but........)

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers

CJ