Hook Bill Hatchling!

[Birch Run Farm]

Have a baby hatched, the chicken momma didn't want him so I have it in a box in the living room. Cute as a button, I have it all fluffed out. Pics to come, it is 23 hours old now.

 

[Call Queen]

Oh you have to post picks soon! I've never seen a hookbill duckling

 

[CityChicker]

How cool! They seem to be hard to hatch. I had one that the Holderread's gave me with my order several years ago and she was just as sweet as could be, but I never hatched any ducklings. I think they are one of the most underrated duck breeds. For personality, they are hard to beat. I think if they came in a few more popular colors, they would probably sell really well. I can't wait to add some back to my flock though.

 

[Birch Run Farm]

Here's the baby, I hope many more to come.

My stock is from Holderreads 'select' hatching so they were pretty expensive. So far they have been power layers since right after Christmas and they are mellow ducks.

 

[Sweetfolly]

So cute!

My Hookbills from Holderreads should be coming the week of April 12th! I can't wait to have a bunch of those cuties in my brooder!

I'd be hatching from my pair now, except I haven't found the time to separate them out from the rest of the flock yet! I know, it'll only take about a half-hour to cut the wood and get the divider up in the pen - your pictures are doing wonders to motivate me to get out there and do it!

 

[lovesduckies]

awe what an adorable little baby

 

[Birch Run Farm]

Annarie,

Go for it and make a seperate pen. They are just too rare to let breed with other ducks! I love my hookies and hope this baby stays real tame. I'm also hoping it keeps the eye stripe. I like the look, some of my adults have it, some don't. Post picks when you get your new babies, they are so fun to watch splash around.

 

[vfem]

Is this the dutch hookbill? Do you have a photo of any of the adults/parents?

I just read they are endangered, and I was just thinking I don't even know what a full grown one looks like?!

 

[Birch Run Farm]

Here's a couple pics of mine from last fall.

 

[Sweetfolly]

Quote:
I'm doing it tomorrow!

My neighbor knows someone who might be giving me all the fencing I need to re-do my runs this summer for FREE (that's over 300 feet of 4' tall fencing!), because he owns a junkyard. I've been holding off until I know whether or not I'll be getting it - but I'm supposed to hear from him tomorrow, so I'll get them separated out regardless.

My Dutch Hookbill girl is a solid Dusky - I'm hoping to get some bibbed girls from Holderreads!