Somehow these came home from the feedstore last week
. They were napping with some 7 week polish in the picture.
I've never owned ducks
. I am feeding them layer crumble, boiled eggs, and fruit/veggies daily and bought one of those green turtle kiddie pools from Toys R Us. They sleep in the Brooder box locked up at night with my young chickens that are 7-8 weeks old that LOVE the new ducks (at first they were so afraid of the ducks that waddled around like they owned the joint).
1.When can I tell if they are a drake or duck? They all seem quite similar in size.
2. How old do you think they are?
3. Should I try picking them up? Should I pick them up like a chicken underneath (gently holding the feet with the fingers)? They are not overly shy of me but shuffle away when I try to touch them.
4. How cautious of predators do I need to be? I live Western Canada. They are in a very safe enclosed run but I do like to let my chickens out supervised in the yard but it is open but has the woods on either side. I have never lost a chicken and have lots of feisty large game hens watching over however they look like very easy owl/hawk food. Do they run under cover like chickens?
Picture sleeping with 7 weeks old Polish hens. They were all cuddled up until I disturbed them.
I've never owned ducks
1.When can I tell if they are a drake or duck? They all seem quite similar in size.
2. How old do you think they are?
3. Should I try picking them up? Should I pick them up like a chicken underneath (gently holding the feet with the fingers)? They are not overly shy of me but shuffle away when I try to touch them.
4. How cautious of predators do I need to be? I live Western Canada. They are in a very safe enclosed run but I do like to let my chickens out supervised in the yard but it is open but has the woods on either side. I have never lost a chicken and have lots of feisty large game hens watching over however they look like very easy owl/hawk food. Do they run under cover like chickens?
Picture sleeping with 7 weeks old Polish hens. They were all cuddled up until I disturbed them.