TwistedTayy
Songster
Never could understand what people meant by "chicken math" but I ordered 15 straight run WH ducklings from My Pet Chicken for a June 1 arrival (so they hatched slightly before then... approx 5 weeks now). I only wanted a flock of about 6 or 7 total (with one being a drake) but Id be willing to keep less and hatch out some new genetics next year. I was expecting maybe one DOA or losing some to predators or illness or newbie stupidity but I still have 15 (knock on wood). I think its safe to start finding homes for some of them now for best offer. They are an auto-sexing breed but only in the first few days of life. Some are beginning to get a very distinct dark coloring on their head but I haven't been able to find out whether that for sure means its a drake or not, they have also started quacking... but still mostly peeps and there's so many its hard to tell where they came from. There is also for sure 2 gold phase in the bunch (they are the only two I could keep track of since I got them... one drake and one hen (they're the only ones in the pictures with brown spots instead of black). From what I hear they are excellent foragers and are out free-ranging all day since June 2 so no need for a brooder anymore (before that they were locked up in their run but with some time outside under supervision). It has actually been so hot here that they sleep (locked up) in a secure run outside. They are also water proofed and are beginning to get their beautiful little spots on their feathers.
