Hi all,
My name is Terri Lightheart, I live in Elkhorn, WI with my partner, Ben, 6- 5 month old Wyandotte hens, who are in their 3rd week of laying, 15 year old potbellied pig, 2 nigerian dwarf goats, 1 german shepherd, 1 kitten, 1- 4 month old runner drake and 2 parakeets. I am novice to raising chickens and ducks. When my female runner hen,Martina, died last Sunday, my breeder suggested joining the message board here. I am currently very concerned about my lone runner duck, Willie. His sister/mate, Martina died suddenly and he is now alone with the 6 hens, Prior to Martina's passing, Willie mated with her and would try to mate the chickens. Since she has passed he is trying to fit in their flock and I have not observed any more inappropriate mating. My partner is saying no more new ducks till spring. I'm so wanting to get Willie a new mate ASAP, since he isn't a chicken and shouldn't have to make them his flock. also it is raining here today, Willie and Martina would love a rainy day to waddle around the yard and play in the pool, but today Willie is staying in the barn with the chickens. It breaks my heart. am looking on craigslist for a good mate, but not sure if it would be ok to get a different breed, since there are not alot of runners out there. Not sure if a new duck would be good with my hens either. Sort of in a novice quandry at this time in my life. Oh by the way,I wanted my user name to be Lightheart, but goofed!
Anyway, looking forward to sharing and learning from y'all
Terri
My name is Terri Lightheart, I live in Elkhorn, WI with my partner, Ben, 6- 5 month old Wyandotte hens, who are in their 3rd week of laying, 15 year old potbellied pig, 2 nigerian dwarf goats, 1 german shepherd, 1 kitten, 1- 4 month old runner drake and 2 parakeets. I am novice to raising chickens and ducks. When my female runner hen,Martina, died last Sunday, my breeder suggested joining the message board here. I am currently very concerned about my lone runner duck, Willie. His sister/mate, Martina died suddenly and he is now alone with the 6 hens, Prior to Martina's passing, Willie mated with her and would try to mate the chickens. Since she has passed he is trying to fit in their flock and I have not observed any more inappropriate mating. My partner is saying no more new ducks till spring. I'm so wanting to get Willie a new mate ASAP, since he isn't a chicken and shouldn't have to make them his flock. also it is raining here today, Willie and Martina would love a rainy day to waddle around the yard and play in the pool, but today Willie is staying in the barn with the chickens. It breaks my heart. am looking on craigslist for a good mate, but not sure if it would be ok to get a different breed, since there are not alot of runners out there. Not sure if a new duck would be good with my hens either. Sort of in a novice quandry at this time in my life. Oh by the way,I wanted my user name to be Lightheart, but goofed!
Anyway, looking forward to sharing and learning from y'all
Terri
