Duck Addicts Anonymous (DAA)

[Quatie]

I love it when my ducks end up with a piece of split straw around their neck, it looks like they are wearing a neaklace. I imagine they are dressing up on purpose.

They make me laugh a lot.

I know what you mean. I took a photo of one of mine like that. Not sure if you can see it well. But she is quite fashionable with that necklace.

 

[3xhhheather]

Started with three, now there are ten and I totally want more…maybe next year

 

[CoriM]

@KaleIAm Those are awesome Kale!

 

[CoriM]

Yeah. I love my pekin, but the leg issues are such a pain. I have thought about maybe getting a white layer in the future, but Duclair is a possibility if they don't have the health issues. Thanks

I had also thought about white layers - I think I'm imprinted on the white duck! But I also am worried about their crazy laying - now on top of leg issues I'm worried about the reproductive issues. I had never heard of Duclairs until I looked at the hatchery this summer in a weak moment. They are only supposed to lay around 100 eggs a year. I'll let you know how it goes - there wasn't much info on this site about them.

 

[Everose]

How often do these bigger breeds deal with bumblefoot or other leg/joint/bone/weight bearing issues? I haven't been giving my babies free feed quite a much as I did with the welshies because I'm not butchering any of them. Will they be more prone to these and other issues because of their size?

 

[CoriM]

@Quatie Do you have all runners? This is my first experience with them. My neighbor keeps them and I think they're so cute. My fawn and white one has the funniest personality, I just love their look!

 

[KaleIAm]

Oh my Kale, I'm so sorry. I know that you give your ducks a wonderful life so I hope you can find comfort in that. Your remaining two ducks are gorgeous! Are they part of your original flock? You are a very dedicated duck mama

Thank you, I do my best. I do take comfort in that.

Pigweed, my welsh harlequin is from my original flock. I've had her since she was a tiny duckling. Nettle, the dark khaki campbell, I added as an adult just a few months later. They are 6.5 and 7.5 years.

 

[KaleIAm]

I know what you mean. I took a photo of one of mine like that. Not sure if you can see it well. But she is quite fashionable with that necklace.
View attachment 2856954

Great photo!! She definitely looks like she is posing for a photo before she goes out for the evening!

 

[Quatie]

How often do these bigger breeds deal with bumblefoot or other leg/joint/bone/weight bearing issues? I haven't been giving my babies free feed quite a much as I did with the welshies because I'm not butchering any of them. Will they be more prone to these and other issues because of their size?

With my pekin it feels never ending. My saxony not nearly as many problems. I had one minor issue to treat in one. But my Pekin is 2lbs heavier than my largest saxony. The Pekin are just especially prone to it. They are big birds and don't seem to have the legs built for their size.

 

[CrazyChicken Lady]

Thank you, I do my best. I do take comfort in that.

Pigweed, my welsh harlequin is from my original flock. I've had her since she was a tiny duckling. Nettle, the dark khaki campbell, I added as an adult just a few months later. They are 6.5 and 7.5 years.

So pretty!