Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[Iain Utah]

That's cool with me... I do not mind waiting a while to swap eggs. My cayugas are 16 weeks. My ancona drake is also 16 weeks, but the ancona duck is 14 weeks. So, it may take mine another 8 weeks to get going too. But I figured I may as well start getting their special space set up, if they are to live away from the younger group in the coop.

By the way, hubby told me today that he likes how my blue-brown pencil marked ancona drake is looking and we have to keep him. Of all the birds he wants to keep, he picks that one?

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

That's cool with me... I do not mind waiting a while to swap eggs. My cayugas are 16 weeks. My ancona drake is also 16 weeks, but the ancona duck is 14 weeks. So, it may take mine another 8 weeks to get going too. But I figured I may as well start getting their special space set up, if they are to live away from the younger group in the coop.

By the way, hubby told me today that he likes how my blue-brown pencil marked ancona drake is looking and we have to keep him. Of all the birds he wants to keep, he picks that one?

Hubby's always like the one that doesn't make the most sense. lol. I would set it up. Why not? I have noticed since separating them the Apples stick a little closer together. Unless I let Chuck the Duck out of course. Then they're all about him. (eye roll)

I want to swap Ancona too when they start laying. If ya wanna. Oh and then Cayuga when I get those.

 

[Iain Utah]

3x4 is all they need? I plan to do turnout at 7-8am and put up at 7-8pm... I was thinking a minimum of 4x8. Not sure about yard space size yet, though.

 

[Eyeheartquail]

very pretty!

If they want just females sell them for more than a straight run

Yeah, I already do that. I just don't want to be stuck with males for months until they are gone.

I will probably now just only allow them to go in trios or pairs.

QJ & Jaz: So 16 weeks is not too early to separate?? Could I make side by side runs for my two pairs or should they not be next to each other? Also, what size space should I make pens to lock them up at night?

IMO (I know, you didn't ask for it) I doubt it really matters when you separate. If they aren't getting their sexy on yet and aren't hurting eachother, I think it is just personal preference. It is when YOU are ready. You could leave them until they start laying or separate now so that they can get used to being in pairs instead of a larger flock.

 

[Iain Utah]

Well, I need a silver apple drake for my two girls, so I am hoping to swap either cayuga and/or ancona for those?

 

[DutchChic]

i cant find the hole i think he ripped it clean open.
i put him on a wet paper towel. but theres barely any yolk left in the sack . the hole must be big it leaked out soo fast.
im literly almost in tears. i feel soo helpless

So sorry CG!

 

[country_girl011]

the duckling died in my hands.
i picked him up and was getting ready to tie it off and he took his last breath

but everyone else is soo far doing good.
1 is a little less active.
but the rest are peeping and moving.

 

[country_girl011]

dutch. thank you. i had to try . but he just want strong enough.

 

[Eyeheartquail]

the duckling died in my hands.
i picked him up and was getting ready to tie it off and he took his last breath

but everyone else is soo far doing good.
1 is a little less active.
but the rest are peeping and moving.

You did what you could Honey. You can't save them all. He wouldn't have even made it that long if you wouldn't have intervened.

 

[Iain Utah]

You did what you could Honey. You can't save them all. He wouldn't have even made it that long if you wouldn't have intervened.

X2!!