My ducks first time on the pond- lotsa pics!

[zooweemama]

You will surprise yourself when you actually know who layed what egg. At one time I had 3 ducks and 6 hens all laying at the same time. I could tell you who layed what egg by shape, size, and color. I'm waiting to see how I do this year with all the girls coming into lay. Also, at this moment I have 30 chickens, 17 of which are Australorps (stark black chickens) and I can tell you who is who from an acre away. Don't short change your ability to know your animals.

Thanks! We'll see. You could be totally right. I'll know soon enough. Our ducks are safe from the stew pot. But our chickens are not. I am trying to enjoy them but not name them or otherwise get too attached. I don't think I have it in me to be that observant and do what is necessary at the end of their laying season (3 years I have read is about max for a eggs for chickens. as much as we love our pets, we cannot keep 40 chicken/ducks and keep adding on to them) I am sure some of this will work itself out as we get used to it and see what works for us. This is our first year at rearing livestock of any kind.

 

[nickie]

You will surprise yourself when you actually know who layed what egg. At one time I had 3 ducks and 6 hens all laying at the same time. I could tell you who layed what egg by shape, size, and color. I'm waiting to see how I do this year with all the girls coming into lay. Also, at this moment I have 30 chickens, 17 of which are Australorps (stark black chickens) and I can tell you who is who from an acre away. Don't short change your ability to know your animals.

Thanks! We'll see. You could be totally right. I'll know soon enough. Our ducks are safe from the stew pot. But our chickens are not. I am trying to enjoy them but not name them or otherwise get too attached. I don't think I have it in me to be that observant and do what is necessary at the end of their laying season (3 years I have read is about max for a eggs for chickens. as much as we love our pets, we cannot keep 40 chicken/ducks and keep adding on to them) I am sure some of this will work itself out as we get used to it and see what works for us. This is our first year at rearing livestock of any kind. 

I think I am that observant simply because I'm judging who we keep and who we eat. (chickens, not ducks, as hardcore as I try to be o just don't think I can eat one of my ducks). My first set of chickens all had names to simplify identification for my husband while I was talking to him. The 22 yungins don't have names at all, only zip ties on the right leg of dinners. (I did break my own rule and name one who wormed his way in on me to the point of me cutting his band off).

 

[Billy-jean]

Thank you! My pond is pretty small and not landscaped fancy (very neglected and overgrown but since buying the place we are trying to clean it up as we can) but it's over 100 outside right now and I don't think the ducks are complaining about size. haha!

GORGEOUS!! and don't worry about landscaping,what you have is what ducks want! grasses,wildlife and more,,so lucky,,enjoy! all of you!

 

[WayneT]

Beautiful pond. I only have chickens at this time but I have 4 Cayuga's coming in July and I plan on ordering some Appleyards for next year. I only wish I had a pond like that for the ducks. I guess I'll just have to build a small one to keep them happy.

 

[zooweemama]

I think I am that observant simply because I'm judging who we keep and who we eat. (chickens, not ducks, as hardcore as I try to be o just don't think I can eat one of my ducks). My first set of chickens all had names to simplify identification for my husband while I was talking to him. The 22 yungins don't have names at all, only zip ties on the right leg of dinners. (I did break my own rule and name one who wormed his way in on me to the point of me cutting his band off).

I know I'll be paying careful attention between the chicken breeds. I made sure to get to 2 diff egg colors. Light brown and dark brown- hopefully there won't be any crossovers (like my dark layers kicking out some pale brown eggs- those will get tagged for future supper or re-homing since I need to make sure I only keep the girls who are laying dark brown for breeding.)I am curious who will lay better my Marans or my Orp hens. Then marking the roos so I can pick the fastest growing, prettiest one that is hopefully also the sweetest. LOL

 

[zooweemama]

Thanks everyone for the kind words about my ducks & pond!