10 Baby Wood Ducks (1st thought they were Mallards)

[ThreeOfSeven]

I hope it's a spot where there are other wood ducks.

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

The ducklings' kiddie pool was taken out this morning for cleaning and to allow the area to dry out a bit. Here they are enjoying their smaller pool (a concrete mixing tub from Home Depot). As you can see, they share space with our new chicks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ducks sure do get into their bath time don't they? lol cute chicks too.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are wood ducks hunted for meat of throphy?

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Not sure. Met a guy a few weeks back who has a license for game fowl, and he raises wood ducks that are released for hunting, but I didn't go any further with the conversation. He was kind enough to bring me a 50 lb. bag of feed. They allow deer hunting at the preserve, but that's because we live on an island and deer (and ticks) are abundant. Not sure if they allow hunting of other wildlife. I'll ask.

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

So my crazy idea is to encourage the babies to fly up into the "tree" for protection. I liberated some branches from an oak tree and placed platforms or "branches" underneath them. Once the babies can do that, they are ready for release.

Here's a pic with more branches (and one of my chicks who likes jumping over the fence to explore and sneak food).

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

I think the 2 on the right are my drakes.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are gorgeous ducks and you have done an awesome job caring for them and now preparing them for their next great adventure. Love that tree idea!

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Thanks! I so badly want them to succeed after their release.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hope they do too.