As a teacher, I always hatch chicks (and this year, turkeys and guinea fowl) in my classroom. The kids love it and are so excited to learn about them. When we were invited to check out a kindergarten class' ducklings, I was intrigued. We didn't have any ducks on the farm and the closest I came to them was when I fed them at local parks. They were so cute! I asked the teacher what she planned on doing with them. She had a couple of messages left with a few local farms, but had no definite plans yet. I offered to take them if she didn't find anyone else... and here they are-
Of course, they aren't little ducklings anymore. She kept them in her backyard for a few months, but her dogs wanted their yard back and she was worried the neighbors may start to complain (she is in a city which does not allow livestock). I got them at about 11-12 weeks old.
Since we put in our well, we have water readily available which makes having all of our animals easier since we used to bring the water from home. This is especially true for the ducks. We gave them a 50 gallon stock tank to swim in. We top off the water daily (since they splash a lot and drink some) and change it completely at least once a week.
They are living in one of our pasture pens that we usually use for turkeys and meat chickens, but they seem to be lonely and long to be with our chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl. When I let the ducks out, the first thing they do is run for the chicken yard. They will lay next to the fence (sad, really) and watch the other birds. I have allowed them to go into the chicken yard during the day, but have to send them home at night. It amazes me that they will give up their little "pond" to spend the day with the other birds. It seems they would rather have the company than swim!
I have enjoyed having them, they are easy to care for, and I like variety, so I ordered 10 more. I ordered 4 Khaki Campbells (to complete my laying flock since they are great layers) and 6 hatchery assortment. Today, the ducklings arrived! The hatchery sent 11 total- 6 Khaki Campbells, 3 Rouen, and 2 Fawn and White Runners (I was so hoping for Runners). All appear healthy and lively! As soon as I put them in the brooder, they all started to drink (way easier than chicks and turkeys). After about 30 minutes, I put in their food and they happily ate (and continued to drink, and drink, and splash, and drink).
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| The white duck is a Pekin and the other (I am guessing) is a Pekin/Runner cross. |
Since we put in our well, we have water readily available which makes having all of our animals easier since we used to bring the water from home. This is especially true for the ducks. We gave them a 50 gallon stock tank to swim in. We top off the water daily (since they splash a lot and drink some) and change it completely at least once a week.
They are living in one of our pasture pens that we usually use for turkeys and meat chickens, but they seem to be lonely and long to be with our chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl. When I let the ducks out, the first thing they do is run for the chicken yard. They will lay next to the fence (sad, really) and watch the other birds. I have allowed them to go into the chicken yard during the day, but have to send them home at night. It amazes me that they will give up their little "pond" to spend the day with the other birds. It seems they would rather have the company than swim!
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| Everyone enjoys being with the ducks, even the dogs! Well, actually, I think they were jealous over all of the photos I was taking of the ducks and had to get some camera time too! |
