The Duck Report by Evadig

[2ndTink]

Yes, they definitely love water! They're making a mess in their brooder again . I chose these breeds because they are heritage, somewhat rare, good-natured*, and colorful.

*I have never owned these three particular breeds so I'm just going off the description from the hatchery as well as other people. They are really sweet though.

I'm looking forward to seeing them grow

 

[Evadig]

The ducklings are two weeks old today, and seem to have doubled in size again! I have also named them; from left to right are: Hilda (Silver Appleyard), Winnifred (Welsh Harlequin), and Henry (Saxony). They have nearly outgrown the large plastic bin that serves as my brooder, and during the night they empty their chick waterer. I forgot to say that they have been without a heat lamp since day five. I will probably be moving them outdoors soon since our night lows are 65 F.

 

[2ndTink]

The ducklings are two weeks old today, and seem to have doubled in size again! I have also named them; from left to right are: Hilda (Silver Appleyard), Winnifred (Welsh Harlequin), and Henry (Saxony). They have nearly outgrown the large plastic bin that serves as my brooder, and during the night they empty their chick waterer. I forgot to say that they have been without a heat lamp since day five. I will probably be moving them outdoors soon since our night lows are 65 F.

They are looking great! I like the names too. Thanks for the update, I won't turn down more cute ducking photos either

They look like they are masterminding something there!

 

[Evadig]

I had to share this picture of Henry enjoying a gentle shower from the hose. The girls are dabbling in the mud which forms easily due to the clay soil. Their feathers are coming in, making them kind of look like mini pin cushions!
Also, one 5 lb bag of feed, opened on the third day after hatching, lasted exactly two weeks for three ducklings.

 

[2ndTink]

I had to share this picture of Henry enjoying a gentle shower from the hose. The girls are dabbling in the mud which forms easily due to the clay soil. Their feathers are coming in, making them kind of look like mini pin cushions!
Also, one 5 lb bag of feed, opened on the third day after hatching, lasted exactly two weeks for three ducklings.

Pin cushions

Do they intentionally make mud, or do they just play in it if they happen to find it?

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are experts at making mud.

 

[Evadig]

Three weeks old today! They’re beginning to quack - it is so cute! For the last few nights I’ve been putting them to bed without food or water because I simply cannot keep up with the mess they make in their brooder. But their run is nearly finished; I actually made their house today. The next few days are going to be really hot so I think I will let them do some real (supervised) swimming.

 

[Evadig]

The ducklings are four weeks old today. It seems like I got them ages ago because carrying their brooder in and out every night gets rather tiring…
Here are a couple closeups of each.
Hilda loves water (even for a duck) and spends 90% of her time in it. Winifred is the loudest, and she can actually quack now! Henry is rather ordinary. His greatest trait is his calm personality. He is more calm than the girls. But all of them have become rather skittish when it’s time to pick them up and put them in their brooder. I hope they don’t become scared of me; I don’t have much patience and fleeing animals get on my nerves. Their run is almost done, and I’m hoping to move them in by this weekend.
From left to right: Winnie, Henry, Hilda, and all of them enjoying the evening in their pool

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are beautiful. Just to let you know almost all ducklings go through I am terrified of you stage so try and be patient with them. Spend time just hanging out with them offer treats from your hand and eventually they will snap out of the Axe murderer syndrome and at least tolerate you. lol

 

[Evadig]

Moving Day!!! The run is completed! It still needs some work on the inside but it’s livable. I’m so glad I don’t have to carry that 20 something pound brooder back and forth anymore. The ducks are much happier, even though they only have that plastic bin to sleep in. Tomorrow I will fix their house (the roof came off) and give them more pine shavings.