Recent content by Duckworth

My harlequins all turned out to be the gender that I expected based on bill color. Sexing by bill color is only reliable for the first few days from hatch.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have that same pet gazebo from TSC. It is not predator proof for my area. Mine is eight 24" side panels. It takes me 15-20 minutes to assemble because it has a number of parts that all have to go together right to get everything to work. I could not use it as a pen that I had to...

You may want to get a big pump dispenser bottle of hand sanitizer to keep near where the ducklings are. I have been keeping ducks for over two years and have never become sick with salmonella, but I am careful to practice good sanitation with the ducks and their eggs. I automatically wash my...

The screened porch sounds like a good option, given the choices. I would probably move the doghouse into the porch to be a shelter if they want one or something they can get up on if you have rising water. I hope you and your ducks ride out this storm without serious incident.

I think that was the plan, too, but then someone suggested leaving them in the current duck coop. I agree about the snow load if their chicken coop or run just has wire on top, now. I have a tarp roof on my run over the top of the wire, but my roof has rafters to support the permanent roof I...

It looks like OP's duck coop already has a solid surface roof, so tarping the chain link on the front and the gate would not catch a rain or snow load. I can't tell from the picture whether there is a solid wall, chain link wall, or no wall separating the end where the dogloo is from the rest...

You will have a lot of storms in the Dallas area, so I would build your ducks a coop or increase the closure of your shelter so that they feel safe inside of it during storms. Sheltering under plants isn't enough, as evidenced by their behavior. It doesn't have to be a large space, but should...

If your duck hasn't been thrown before and has little or no experience flying, then mean or nice, I probably wouldn't do it just to post it on YouTube. It's great if it works out, but would really stink if you injured your duck. A duck landing in water is also much less likely to cause injury...

@casportpony

Silver phase has the teal/purple/blue wing bars. Gold phase has bronze wing bars.

I have five WH hens, all silver phase, which is the breed standard in the US, despite that the same clutch of eggs from the same parents can produce either phase. Color of feet and bill are important, too. Mine aren't show quality. They just provide great eggs and are good-tempered and...

I'm sorry for your losses! Security is a necessity! I concur with Miss Lydia above. Also, when you introduce one or more new ducks, be prepared to separate them within sight of each other in case they don't get along immediately. They often need time to get to know and feel safe with each...

I keep a small flock of female WH. I got mine through a special order from our local feed store and from a local farm. You can look online for hatcheries that breed them. I have been very happy with this breed. They are pretty good layers, especially when younger. They are generally...

They are a lot like having a new puppy that yelps all night. I would do as others have suggested and make sure you get their outdoor housing ready and very secure so that you can begin acclimating them to their permanent home and move them as soon as they are ready. It's going to be a few...