Finally! Sandhill Ducklings HERE! (Updated w/ new pics 7/30)

[DuckFanatic]

I'm so sorry about your little guy. Keep us updated!!

 

[Sweetfolly]

I got a decent group shot of the ten remaining babies today:

And I'll overload this thread with pics later, since I plan on taking individual pics and putting temporary identification bands on later today - I suspect there was an error in my order and I somehow ended up with 5 Dark Campbells and 4 Hookbills (counting little Sundance, who passed away, leaving me with 3). It's hard to tell because the down color is the same - but I have 3 dark little babies with mottled bills and feet, when I should only have 2, and I have 5 dark little babies with solid black bills and feet when I should have 6. Plus the White and Buff Runners. The white one is going to be gorgeous when he grows up - he's already racing around perfectly upright. The buff one, on the other hand, is obviously a Runner, but doesn't have the greatest conformation - I'm still thrilled I got a Buff though

On another note - here's a shot of Rainstorm and Lullaby - penned up in the garage since the weather is cold and dreary here in central Wisconsin today. Remember just 5 weeks ago, when they were teeny little babies? They grow too fast!

<- That's them!

 

[CityChicker]

Soooo cute! (Rainstorm and Lullaby too!)... You'll love the Hookbills. Mine was so friendly. Don't sell your Buff Runner short just yet. It is hard to tell how they will turn out when they are little babies. Mine continue to change in type up to even 2 years old. Anyway, they are all adorable. I can't to see how they turn out as they grow!

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

LUCKY! Mine have been postponed the last three or four ship dates!

 

[Sweetfolly]

Quote:
I had given up all hope that they'd even be coming this year and was expecting a refund check!

What breeds did you order?

Quote:
I know! I'm fascinated by and obsessed with this breed! I was so disappointed that I didn't get as many Hookbills as I ordered that I already have next springs order ready to mail out tomorrow: 10 Hookbills, from Holderreads this time (with Welsh Harlequins and Blue or Grey Runners as my backup choices).

 

[Cetawin]

They are adorable. Congrats.

You will love your babies from Holderread. I ordered 10 (5 anconas & 6 GWH) and I received 11 the day after hatching. healthy, happy to see someone ducklings. They are 9 weeks old now. Love em too pieces.

 

[Dances with Ducks]

I hear really nice things about the Hookbill temperment, I would love to try them if I had more space.
I really envy you those dark campbells!!! Gorgeous!

 

[Sweetfolly]

Quote:
Thanks - I've been trying to get better pictures, but they've splattered crumbles and water everywhere - including on eachother

This was taken today (three of them, including the Buff Runner, managed to elude being captured in the shot!):

I increased the brooder temp by a few degrees and gave them a pan of water to clean themselves in, but the little buggers are scared to death of it! So, I guess they can be dirty and un-photogenic.

Notice the Hookbill right in the bottom-front-center of the picture - he's got just a teensy patch white under his chin, which is apparently a genetic quirk that's common in dusky phase. It's adorable.

EDIT: - He's got white on the tips of his little wings too! I think that means his primary feathers will be white!

I thought maybe I had received an extra Hookbill, but they've grown enough now that the two remaining Hookbills are easily distinguished by their longer, ever-so-slightly curved bills - the one I thought was an extra Hookbill must be an off-colored Campbell - he has large, pale orange patches on his bill, on either side of the nostrils (and yes - I tried wiping them off - the bill is really just colored that way!

) He's another one that didn't make it into the picture.

EDIT: Dances with Ducks - I'm not keeping all 6 of the Dark Campbells (it's mom's property, and she's put a limit on the number of feathered critters I can keep on it) - once I've picked out the "keepers" in a few months you (and anyone else) are welcome to have some!

 

[Dances with Ducks]

I wish I didn't have a limit on my property too, I'd grab them right up!

 

[morninggloryhatchery]

Congrats! I'm getting a Blue Swede duckling today for companions for my Cayuga and Pekin ducklings. So far thats all i have.. at the moment lol. Im planning in getting more Cayugas,Pekins, and Blue Swede for the hatchery im opening in Spring of 2010.

Congrats on your ducklings! Enjoy them!