Jan 7, 2022 · In most duck breeds, drakes have curled, or upward-curved, feathers at the top of their tail. The curved feather or feathers typically appear when drakes are around 8 to 12 …

There are three main clues: the tail curl, the voice, and (sometimes) the coloring. A mature drake will often display one or more curled feathers right at the top of his tail. Drakes usually develop …

Mar 11, 2025 · The appearance of drake feathers, also known as sex feathers, is a significant milestone in the development of male ducks. These distinctive curled feathers near the tail are …

Apr 19, 2023 · Drake feathers are the curled, pointed feathers that sprout on male ducks’ tails. These feathers are a vital sign of a duck’s gender since they do not present in female ducks. …

Mar 8, 2025 · Drakes typically possess one or more curled feathers at the base of their tail, while hens usually have straight tail feathers. This curled tail feather is a distinct and easily …

Jul 10, 2017 · What is a drake feather? The drake feather is a curled tail feather on a male duck. Sometimes when ducklings are still fuzzy you can tell a drake by the hoarseness of his little …

Nov 11, 2009 · I noticed one of my 8-week-old Pekins is sporting a tiny curled drake feather now, but the other male isn't. Neither do any of the Khaki Campbell drakelets who are the same …

Aug 7, 2022 · At approximately 2 to 3 months of age, one or two tail feathers on male ducks will curl up toward his back. These are known as drake feathers. However, observing a curled tail …

Nov 6, 2022 · The easiest, fastest way to distinguish drakes from hens is to look at their tail feathers. In most duck breeds, drakes have curled, or upward-curved, feathers at the top of …

Dec 23, 2010 · A drake pintail's long twin tail feathers, white underparts, and soft brown topside can be easily distinguished from a male wood duck's squared-off tail feathers and multicolored …