My Love Affair With Ducks...

[Enten4life]

I was told she was a Pekin by the person who gave the the egg I incubated. BUT -- she's only 5 pounds, so she might be a white layer. Either way, I raised her alone because the other eggs didn't make it. She imprinted of course, but I admittedly imprinted on HER.

This is actually 4 weeks after she started molted. BUT WOW it was nothing like your poor baby baby Blanca. That must have been hard for her AND you. It was a couple weeks ago, her wing tips were naked and porcupined out, but not her whole body. And I think this is something that might be common when she molts. Makes me sad because it means she's uncomfortable, and I LOVE her.....

Today was the FIRST say in a couple weeks she came up to me and let me pet her. I have a sense of a relief. Bottom line: I LOVE her so much

She is a Beauty! Is she a Pekin or a White Layer?
Her molt doesn't seem too bad, i was always worried about my ducks here during their past molts, until i had a couple of them going through a really hard one this fall: Blanca and Earthquack Duck, my two grown up White Layers started to look like porcupines and one of the Buff Orpington/Runner girls was running around like a plugged chicken.
A duck with a hard molt? - Look here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...lt-contest-three-prizes.1415124/post-23272697
I assume it is more likely that Norbie is going broody, at least half ways. I have a couple of ducks here too who started running around with retracted heads and quacking uneasy. It happens during the winter season when it is unusual warm for some time.
Nothing to worry about! It will sustain…

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

From the duckling pictures she is definitely a White Layer! Pekin ducks have a way more orange bill when they're ducklings.

 

[DuckMama 323]

...and Their Love Affair With Water!

This is my second day owning ducks and I have fallen head over heels in love with them!

Those precious little peeps, the interesting looking bills, the ever so delicate looking webbed feet, and those expressive eyes with their heads cocked sideways peering up at me. Oh, and did I mention their little love ‘bites’ on my neck and lips (OUCH!) That I must not let continue so I suppose I have to stop kissing them. I know, I know, I’m not supposed to kiss them, but the way I look at it my chances are better catching Covid 19 from a stranger than catching salmonella from my baby ducklings.

My little Saxony duckling, Twinkle, is seeing the world straight today for the very first time. Since arriving home a little over 24 hours ago, she has been in a sort of vertigo state, staggering, stumbling, turning in circles, and not being able to hold her head straight.

With the help of several BYC members giving me suggestions and instructions to help her mend, she appears to be on the road to recovery...the road to being a normal, healthy, funny little duck.

I will continue my journey of being a First Time Duck Owner/Spring 2020 duck thread here. My initial thread can be found here for all the background story of My Love Affair With Ducks!

Love at first sight! View attachment 2072190

Electrolytes, vitamins, and proper feed will help the baby

 

[Mimi13]

Like @shawluvsbirds said, her feathers hurt. And maybe she only does it to you because you are usually the only one who pets her.

I know my chickens who usually love being held and loved on, run when they see me coming when they’re molting.

ETA: after posting this I saw the pics of both of y’all loving on her.

 

[Mimi13]

I was told she was a Pekin by the person who gave the the egg I incubated. BUT -- she's only 5 pounds, so she might be a white layer. Either way, I raised her alone because the other eggs didn't make it. She imprinted of course, but I admittedly imprinted on HER.

This is actually 4 weeks after she started molted. BUT WOW it was nothing like your poor baby baby Blanca. That must have been hard for her AND you. It was a couple weeks ago, her wing tips were naked and porcupined out, but not her whole body. And I think this is something that might be common when she molts. Makes me sad because it means she's uncomfortable, and I LOVE her.....

Today was the FIRST say in a couple weeks she came up to me and let me pet her. I have a sense of a relief. Bottom line: I LOVE her so much
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Oh my goodness! How precious!

 

[Mimi13]

Electrolytes, vitamins, and proper feed will help the baby

I only wish it had helped her. She passed away the Saturday after i received her in the mail.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Like @shawluvsbirds said, her feathers hurt. And maybe she only does it to you because you are usually the only one who pets her.

I know my chickens who usually love being held and loved on, run when they see me coming when they’re molting.

ETA: after posting this I saw the pics of both of y’all loving on her.

Odd time of year to be broody but that could also be.
Ducks are hormonal beaches when broody.

 

[Mimi13]

Odd time of year to be broody but that could also be.
Ducks are hormonal beaches when broody.

Mine are hormonal, rather horney, ALL the time. But I guess it has subsided some since the cold weather showed up.

 

[Enten4life]

Odd time of year to be broody but that could also be.
Ducks are hormonal beaches when broody.

She has been better today, but I really think at this point it's her molting. She's been beachy in the past during a molt (which is normal as far as I know) but this time it was just SO much worse. she wanted nothing to do with me. She's been treated for bumblefoot, but that hadn't bothered her so I really think it WAS just her molt. She just turns from this wonderful, beautiful creature to that of a demonic entity that wants nothing but blood from her enemies. She's been through a lot since she had to live with my friends for a while and I think she might just still be adapting to be back (because she was the only duck and my chickens attacked her I had to get her safe while we waiting for a chance to raise her some duck sisters which has since happened).

Thank you ALL for your support and kindness. My wife and I appreciate very much. it's really awesome to meet others that have the same love and affections as we do for our feathered children

Her sisters, Anka and Jessica. Sorry. I'm a proud dad who has NO shame showing off his children!!!

 

[shawluvsbirds]

She has been better today, but I really think at this point it's her molting. She's been beachy in the past during a molt (which is normal as far as I know) but this time it was just SO much worse. she wanted nothing to do with me. She's been treated for bumblefoot, but that hadn't bothered her so I really think it WAS just her molt. She just turns from this wonderful, beautiful creature to that of a demonic entity that wants nothing but blood from her enemies. She's been through a lot since she had to live with my friends for a while and I think she might just still be adapting to be back (because she was the only duck and my chickens attacked her I had to get her safe while we waiting for a chance to raise her some duck sisters which has since happened).

Thank you ALL for your support and kindness. My wife and I appreciate very much. it's really awesome to meet others that have the same love and affections as we do for our feathered children

Her sisters, Anka and Jessica. Sorry. I'm a proud dad who has NO shame showing off his children!!!

View attachment 2438867

They are lovely.
I think we all openly appreciate any and all dux pics.
All Except the Ralphster who is a closet dux lover.