I used to live on a lake near the coast and played with the wild mallards that had grown tame from constant offerings of dried corn and fish. They even brought their ducklings up on our deck!
Now I have a half acre on the wetlands in Cornelius and thought getting ducklings from the local feed store would be a similar experience. It is soooo not! I have a Rouen and a Chocolate Indian Runner, which can never be set free due to the fact that neither can fly! The learning curve for raising domestic ducks is intense, but they are both the sweetest cuddlers and really amazing animals to have. The local mallards come by to stare at them whenever they're out following me around, though the wetlands might be a hindrance rather than an asset given all the predators. Even though I originally wanted wild animals that could thrive on their own, BYC has been really helpful in showing me how to take care of domesticated breeds, and now I see the appeal and am glad I get to keep them close and raise them as pets. I just finished building their outdoor home and run, and have been talking much more with local farmers and urban chicken owners about sustainability.
I want to get chickens and quail too some time in the future. Just after much much more research and preparation.....
Now I have a half acre on the wetlands in Cornelius and thought getting ducklings from the local feed store would be a similar experience. It is soooo not! I have a Rouen and a Chocolate Indian Runner, which can never be set free due to the fact that neither can fly! The learning curve for raising domestic ducks is intense, but they are both the sweetest cuddlers and really amazing animals to have. The local mallards come by to stare at them whenever they're out following me around, though the wetlands might be a hindrance rather than an asset given all the predators. Even though I originally wanted wild animals that could thrive on their own, BYC has been really helpful in showing me how to take care of domesticated breeds, and now I see the appeal and am glad I get to keep them close and raise them as pets. I just finished building their outdoor home and run, and have been talking much more with local farmers and urban chicken owners about sustainability.
I want to get chickens and quail too some time in the future. Just after much much more research and preparation.....
and Welcome To BYC! How cute, adorable pictures.
