WelshHarlequinBreeder
In the Brooder
- Jul 23, 2022
- 7
- 36
- 46
Well it is with a heavy heart I finally decided to register, instead of just lurk for information as I have been the past year. Why today? Sadly, my male Welsh Harlequin seems to have disappeared. His poor mate is out calling to him in the pond if I am not beside her to keep her company. They do have a predator proof place at night, but also have a pond on our property; if the ducks want to stay out, I can't force them in. In the mid summer, this pairs behaviour has basically been to stay out every other night. I assume they get hungry the 2nd day, because I don't even need to lead them to their house. They are just waiting at the door for me to let them in. That was until today of course...when I went to see them and saw my lady, alone, crying on the pond. I walked around everywhere and couldn't find him injured anywhere. No pile of feathers, or blood. My parents say a coyote probably got him in his sleep. When outdoors, they liked to sleep under a small tree shaped like an umbrella with the water just a foot away. The only place I found any feathers were from the female, in small clumps, floating in the water under that tree. Luckily she survived. But none of his beautiful feathers anywhere...
On the brighter side, I saved 3 hatched ducklings this spring and have had them in the same house, separated by a gate. Otherwise the male would attack his offspring. Just recently, based on vocalizations, I think I may have one male out of the three. Welsh Harlequins are said to be able to define gender based on their beak at birth, so 2 girls and 1 male is what I was aiming for in my selection. In order to give Mom ("Martha Kent") something to focus on besides her grief, I may remove the fence and let the babies and their mother finally interact freely in their home. I just want her to be happy and not a sad duck. I am actually surprised how sad I feel today. I chose to not even go to open the store today. I've been walking around the wooded areas near the pond looking for him injured, or his carcass. Nothing. RIP Johnathan Kent. While I didn't appreciate you pecking at your babies, you will be missed.
The babies were born June 7th and now just feathered up enough I am letting them outside on their own for small bits of time. They haven't ventured over to water edge yet, but they for sure know to run into the coop when nervous!
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
Last year a local farmer gifted me a mating pair of Welsh-Harlequins because the male was getting bullied by another male in his flock.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
3 ducklings, and sadly only 1 female right now
(3) What breeds do you have?
Welsh Harlequins. I like to keep only one kind to keep the line pure.
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
Releasing the ducks into the pond in the morning, and seeing their joy and excitement when their house gets opened - the RUN FOR WATER!!!! Also the females are just adorable when they like you, acting flirtatious and stuff. They are just an adorable breed, and intelligent.
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
Gardening, music, writing.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
A Labradoodle dog, my cat. I have a small garden / hydroponic shop in a small town and sell duck eggs, ducklings and duck feed in Canada. Awaiting my TM to go through for the duck feed brand.
On the brighter side, I saved 3 hatched ducklings this spring and have had them in the same house, separated by a gate. Otherwise the male would attack his offspring. Just recently, based on vocalizations, I think I may have one male out of the three. Welsh Harlequins are said to be able to define gender based on their beak at birth, so 2 girls and 1 male is what I was aiming for in my selection. In order to give Mom ("Martha Kent") something to focus on besides her grief, I may remove the fence and let the babies and their mother finally interact freely in their home. I just want her to be happy and not a sad duck. I am actually surprised how sad I feel today. I chose to not even go to open the store today. I've been walking around the wooded areas near the pond looking for him injured, or his carcass. Nothing. RIP Johnathan Kent. While I didn't appreciate you pecking at your babies, you will be missed.
The babies were born June 7th and now just feathered up enough I am letting them outside on their own for small bits of time. They haven't ventured over to water edge yet, but they for sure know to run into the coop when nervous!
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
Last year a local farmer gifted me a mating pair of Welsh-Harlequins because the male was getting bullied by another male in his flock.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
3 ducklings, and sadly only 1 female right now
(3) What breeds do you have?
Welsh Harlequins. I like to keep only one kind to keep the line pure.
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
Releasing the ducks into the pond in the morning, and seeing their joy and excitement when their house gets opened - the RUN FOR WATER!!!! Also the females are just adorable when they like you, acting flirtatious and stuff. They are just an adorable breed, and intelligent.
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
Gardening, music, writing.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
A Labradoodle dog, my cat. I have a small garden / hydroponic shop in a small town and sell duck eggs, ducklings and duck feed in Canada. Awaiting my TM to go through for the duck feed brand.
Glad you joined.
