Nesting Duos

[Lilbitsnpieces]

I wait for cattle panels to go on sale then take my battery cut saw. I cut the 16ft panel into sections, if I don't need them whole. Usually 4ft. Then I lay hardware cloth over it which, I purchase 4ft tall..it only leaves 2" uncovered., Which I make the top. I cut out bottom rung of horizontal metal, which leaves vertical "stakes" allowing me to push piece into ground. I found these most convenient for quick pens, walls and dividers. 4ft makes them Easy to move myself. I do have some 8 ft, my first attempt but they have become permanent..as they were harder to move myself. Metal Electric fence poles are my stakes with wire to secure them..
These pictures are a larger view of photo one above from distance. You can see the full 16 ft panel to left. Front view of "entrance" my dog watching , and plastic trashcan lid before I filled it..as. I stated earlier..babies can swim but not drown, and mama can clean without a mess..I've NEVER had a duck get into the lid..maybe I just have weird mamas..

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

It's a mishap system..I again I'm literally in middle of a metropolis so quite frequently I have animals "dumped" at my gate. Though I am also contacted by others to foster. My lil piece of country needed to expand quickly when needed. My carpentry skill are weak so the kennels are great. I have a wire cage as you can see and my main breeding pair use this every year..but I had to completely cover it with hardware cloth, due to snakes..I did it from inside and needless to say it was a pain. Also hardware cloth is outrageous expensive now days, too so I found the plastic ones adequate. However These are vulnerable to hail..(big hole in top of Cayuga second nest) which I found out in our storm Tuesday. So I will create a metal protection. So my babies should be hatching in about two weeks..Ill keep updating.
If you have questions or suggestions I'm all in..now back to storm cleanup

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

Update. The two Buffs both abandoned the nest they were sharing..might have been because temps were near 100and humidity close to 100 percent. No worries..Daisy loves to be a momma and happily accepted ALL the eggs.. the Cayugas still are sharing though the one is leaving nest for approximately 2 hrs in the morning. I Am still planning on moving one when I hear peeping..I have placed ceramic eggs in the nest I want her to move too...we'll see...
Everyone be safe.

 

[Miss Lydia]

With those temps and humidity they may not need anyone to sit on the eggs to hatch. lol

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

With those temps and humidity they may not need anyone to sit on the eggs to hatch. lol

Agreed!

 

[Duck Diva]

Update. The two Buffs both abandoned the nest they were sharing..might have been because temps were near 100and humidity close to 100 percent. No worries..Daisy loves to be a momma and happily accepted ALL the eggs.. the Cayugas still are sharing though the one is leaving nest for approximately 2 hrs in the morning. I Am still planning on moving one when I hear peeping..I have placed ceramic eggs in the nest I want her to move too...we'll see...
Everyone be safe.

Any new updates? At least you won't have any mama drama!

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

Any new updates? At least you won't have any mama drama

Well temps have dropped, even if it just into the lower 90s..Buffs have not tried to nest again..and have not started laying again..but I don't mind..I think it's good to give them a break in laying. The Cayuga's are still sharing..but the one is leaving even longer in the morning..it's been buy around here ..I've been harvesting berries and making jams ect..as well as harvesting Kale and turnips greens...but hopefully tomorrow I'll get up the new partitions I made and then I will separate them..Hope all is well with you and yours

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

Hello..All it is Saturday June 24..my duo nesting Buffs abandoned the nest June 14...Today the two laid eggs..so only 10 days and they are back to laying. Eggs were not lost,I simply placed the eggs under my main breeding duck , Daisy.

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

Update June 28 the..Cayuga's duo nesting..didn't like the smaller kennel so added a much larger one and the extra nesting material..they checked it out but still tried to nest in same one..took some eggs placed in new nest and when one went in closed the door during morning chores.she actively tried to escape..an hour later when I came back she had created a nest and all is well..so success at last..duo nesters are separated into two nests in their own kennel..lil kennel is still there for the drake..who is still checking it out...so still have 3 nesting..one Buff and two Cayuga's..but all are on separate nest...
What I learned..I won't let them duo anymore..once broody I will place more kennels than ducks so they may pick there own place..and make it easier in the long run..
I also learned they prefer a much larger space than I anticipated.
Hope everyone enjoyed the journey..Have a great week

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

Last update...all duos quit their nest..no babies..I will from now on NOT let omre than one nest..I lost not only the potential meat from the possible hatch but the eggs since they were sitting
All ducks are back to laying..after a nice break.