New Baby Ducks!!

[Miss Lydia]

Can't get much wilder than Mallard.

 

[Nimure]

Awww they are adorable. I don't mind the messy part as much as freezing buckets in winter but you are in Florida so probably not an issue.
There were no chicks at my store for the 2nd week in a row, only ducklings. The store associate said they got in 200 chicks in the AM and by 2pm they were all gone, except for the ducklings. So I figure after the pandemic, there will be a lot of hens no one wants or they will be neglected.

Actually I need to update my profile! Haha, we're in Ohio now. Good to keep in mind though.

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So far they seem to be doing quite well. As best as I can tell they might be a little bit older? They don't have feathers yet, but they can certainly get around quite a bit and seem to have a lot of energy. I've been letting them out to run around and explore (under supervision of course). I'm happy to see how well they're adjusting already to being handled regularly by us.

I would love to get a few wood ducks at some point, but that will be a bit further down the road considering how expensive they are at most online hatcheries.

 

[Nimure]

It's been just over two weeks since we brought these babies home (april 1st) and WOW have they grown!

The pekin, named Nanner, is growing feathers ALL OVER and probably weighs almost a pound.

The labeled rouen, possible mallard, Roach, isn't far behind.

Batman, the black runner, remains the smallest, but he's just as tall when he stands up!

Roach is the sweetest of the three and seems to enjoy cuddling. They're not super clingy or bonded to me which is a shame, but they like me more than the husband or the roommate, so I guess that's a win haha. I try to spend time with them every day and hand feed them a little to keep them friendly. They will following me around somewhat, and seem to view me as a safe place to hang out, but they'll range and explore too, and shy away when people walk towards them. I try to do this and offer food to help with the shyness.

Just moved them outside to the coop today, so figured I'd update with pics.

 

[hayley3]

Adorable and wow they did get big. I got mine April 1st too but they were just born and mine are not near the size of yours but still they are growing fast. Mine are skittish too even though they act like they want to come towards me.

Your baby ducks pic was so adorable. Great shot of them all sitting still as if posing for the camera.
Baby ducks are so much fun..love them to pieces.

 

[Nimure]

Adorable and wow they did get big. I got mine April 1st too but they were just born and mine are not near the size of yours but still they are growing fast. Mine are skittish too even though they act like they want to come towards me.

Your baby ducks pic was so adorable. Great shot of them all sitting still as if posing for the camera.
Baby ducks are so much fun..love them to pieces.

I have been having a lot of fun with them, but I'm also looking forward to getting my chicks (hopefully soon). Maybe even more so after cleaning up after these guys. Brooding ducks indoors was...not great LOL.

 

[Isaac 0]

Adorable!

 

[Miss Lydia]

They sure are cute! ❤

 

[hayley3]

I have been having a lot of fun with them, but I'm also looking forward to getting my chicks (hopefully soon). Maybe even more so after cleaning up after these guys. Brooding ducks indoors was...not great LOL.

Chicks are a piece of cake to take care of compared to ducks.
My ducks have a huge cage or so I thought and still they mess it up so fast.
And they can't go out until I get my goop (garage coop) divided into assigned "bedrooms".

 

[Nimure]

So the trio have grown A LOT. The pekin is now probably big enough to eat. The mallard is a bit smaller, and the black runner is the smallest. They're getting lots of supervised outdoor time while the weather is nice (waiting on the hubby to build a chicken/duck tractor so they'll be a bit more protected while outside).

Anyway, I got an order of chicks on the 22nd, and I was hoping to get them moved out to the coop. Unfortunately, my sweet Roach is a naughty duck, and seems to want to eat or pick at the chicks, so I'm still keeping them separated. Anyone else on here have this issue? I'm hoping once the chicks are a big larger, it wont be an issue anymore. Nanner and Batman (the pekin and runner respectively) ignore the chicks. Roach (mallard) is the only one that pays them any mind, and it's usually chasing and lunging with the bill, that my aunt said was food related. I've tried to do a few short supervised sessions to get them used to each other, but I haven't seen any changes yet in Roach's behavior. Mostly waiting to see if things change when the chicks are bigger, but if anyone has any advice for redirecting this sooner so I can get them moved outside, that would be appreciated.

 

[hayley3]

We have 4 chicks and put the 2 ducks out with them in an enclosed area. The chickens are a bit brazen and run right up to the ducks. I think the alpha duck was afraid so started pecking at them. Maybe roach is a male. Mine seem to be doing a bit better, we are on the 4th day of doing socializing together. They are all the same age, the ducks and the chicks, although the ducks are twice the size of the chicks!
My biggest challenge will be integrating them with the grown chickens and goose.

I still haven't found a baby pool or a turtle either.