Duckling sounds

[Ducktown]

I have a question regarding duckling sounds.

I have 2 ducks and both had a period when they quacked like a female duck. But then, all of the sudden, they stop making any noise, except for their calling sound, chirping when they are happily eating something delicious or occasional talking between them that is still in juvenile duck language.

Is it possible they are not going to be female ducks at all?
They will be 8 weeks old soon. Not completely feathered, but working on it.

 

[allz28]

I think it's very possible they will not be female. I've never been able to tell the difference by voice in young ducks.

 

[gal5150]

It's possible but by 10 wks, unless you've got some late bloomers, you can usually tell who's quacking and who's croaking. Ducks seem to go through noisy phases, but other than Pekin, they're generally not loudly quacking throughout the day. Mostly just when excited either by anticipating something good, like feed, or when startled/annoyed, etc. Otherwise they just kind of chatter on and off. So, if you're hearing district quacks from one or both, even if it's only once a day, like before feeding, likely female

 

[cheezenkwackers]

If they quacked they are girls. My boys went from peeping to hoarse boy sounds. They never quacked. I agree with the others that they just aren't talking. Be glad! They can be really loud when they want to be. What kind are they? You could try posting a picture if you are still unsure.

 

[Ducktown]

I forgot to tell they are Indian runner ducks. They are quiet, except when they demand more food. It seems strange that they both quacked when excited before, but they don't do it anymore. I guess they will eventually as they mature.

 

[gal5150]

Yeah, they go through loud phases that just up and stop one day. If they were both consistently quacking for some period they're both girls.

 

[Ducktown]

They quacked for at least a week.
Here they are.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Now I am confused. Are you sure both were quacking? Maybe things are different with Runners but dark, solid feathers above the tail mean male in Khakis and Mallards etc..

 

[gal5150]

Is that video just to see them or to hear that slight quacking in the background? I heard some "mumbling" but not quacking.

 

[Ducktown]

No, they were not quacking. As I said, they stopped completely after a week or two. I'll try to get them a bit more ready to talk and then post a video clip.

Regarding the feathers above the tail... are you sure about that? I mean it just feathered and it seems it also has nicely colored wing feathers. I hope it's not a drake.