*~*Runner Duck Club*~*

[Chickens 4Ever]

Baby runner ducks searching for bugs are just ADORABLE

 

[Miss Lydia]

Adult Runner ducks searching for bugs is pretty cute too.

I can still see mine from a year ago learning about bugs and all kinds of other goodies.

 

[MrsHudson221B]

So, we finally got the run to a point we can let the ducklings out in it with supervision. They all pile out in a hurry when I slide the door open-- totally loving it!

Still needs the roof finished over the baby pool area(the chicken wire shield has proven effective against my mean leghorn hens, though!). I need to get some hog nose clips to finish attaching chicken wire to hog panel. And, I think we're gonna put some pea gravel around the pool area. I'm sure I'm forgetting something... these sort of projects are never really finished.

We emptied the baby pool to reposition, and are totally loving the little pump my hubby found. It's not the fastest, but makes a reasonable flow for watering plants.

Anyway, the ducklings are healthy and happy! Eye yuck seems to have been banished with ACV and more fresh air and swimming. **Thanks to MissLydia for help and encouragement!**

I'll try to get some better pics up later... they're growing so fast-- looking like gangly teenagers with half down/ half feathers, and starting to quack, hahaha! So totally cute!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Looks great I bet they are loving it. Do your dogs like the ducks or would they like to eat them? My dogs would love to eat babies but once they are adults leave them alone.

Look forward to more pics they grow so fast.

 

[MrsHudson221B]

So far, the dogs are just interested and wanting to sniff. I think it's the baby peeping that makes them so fascinated. Like your experience, my puppies tend to settle as the birds grow.

The hound/ heeler mix has killed chickens in the past, but since our conversation about it, he just steals their treats and breaks up rooster activity by plowing through the flock (it's been four years since he's killed a chicken). The Rottie has yet to kill a bird, but I never fully trust either one.

I'm not willing to test the limits until the ducks have a little more size on them. And, I'm not leaving the ducklings in the run unless I'm fairly close by, at least within earshot. Luckily for them, my garden is a hot mess right now, and I'm spending hours outside weeding, etc.

Will try to get a pic this afternoon!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I don't trust mine either I am always with them when all the birds are outside the fence. I have tiny OEGB but so far the dogs don't mess with them but your right it's the peeping that sets them off. I have 5 chicks in a brooder in my house now and 2 mini dachshunds who would love to get in the brooder with them. My other mini would get them 2 but she doesn't let on like the other 2.

 

[MrsHudson221B]

Goofy babies in a muddy pool!
The size difference between the two shipments of birds is still shocking to me. What a difference a week makes at this age!

 

[Miss Lydia]

It really does,they are all so precious, Are the older ones nice to the younger?

Don't you love it when you get the pool are cleaned out with fresh water go out 15mins later and it looks just like yours? lol They love the fresh clean water it just doesn't stay that way long.

 

[MrsHudson221B]

Hahaha! Yes. They are mess makers! I need to do some research on ground covers and see if I can get something growing that they will enjoy nibbling at and destroying...

And, the bigger ducklings totally accepted the little ones into the group. After I inboxed the little ones, it was like they had always been together. They all sleep in big piles together. No picking, really. I was completely shocked, because I would NEVER brood day old chicks with week-olds. It would be a total blood bath!

I have noticed that they are starting friendships and cliques. But, they seem more personality-driven than size driven. So cute to watch!

 

[Miss Lydia]

They sure are an interesting breed. My Buffs where hatched same time as the Runners and all under different mamas. I had a total of 23 eggs I split up between 3 Muscovy ducks but when it was time for moms to let go the ducklings all formed one flock they stick together glue to By choice,the Muscovy's who all hang together too.

I see the friendships too. It's really sweet the way they are so close.