Oh no, not another bath...

[katharinad]

Here are my two little Saxony ducks. Today they are 4 days old, and yesterday was their first bath.
This morning I've taken them out of their brooder and put them into the 5 gallon paint bucket to carry them to the bathroom.
Right away I've got the "Oh no, not another bath..." look.

Followed by a load of duck poo into the bucket.

Shortly before I've placed the paint tray with warm water into the bathtub and a towel to climb up into it.
They are already making it in by climbing over the edge, but I prefer to have a towel ready too.
This is a very safe way for them to go swimming. The paint tray allows them to walk out of it anytime.
The lighter colored duck is always the one going first. That includes playing with a small cat ball.
This is also the duck that went all the way crazy today. It dove in circles like no tomorrow.
I had a blast watching them. So did all my 4 dogs. I do socialize them daily. My oldest dog is all happy,
because he really loves ducks. He will protect them, even against his own room mates. Anyway, enjoy the picture:

Katharina

 

[Attack Chicken]

to cute!

 

[katharinad]

Forgot to mention they are really good preening themselves. They are doing it since born, but they do not produce the oil at this point. They think they are because they are working the gland quite nicely. After the bath I've dried them off with the towel and put them back under the brooder. Now they are happy and relaxed.
Katharina

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

A paint tray is exactly what we use for the goslings!