Well today was the day we set the orphans free. We opted to put them on the watershed pond at the edge of my property. They scatted across the pond and got hid in a hurry. I decided to release them today instead of waiting for them to start flying so they can get settled in on the pond instead of flying away widly as soon as released. I figure they will be flying within a week.
A couple of them did take the time to scoop up a beakful of duckweed on their way to the opposite side of the pond. They have plenty of cover around the edges for hiding and feed should be plentiful. Hopefully they are wild enough to avoid foxes, coyotes and coons.
I will slip down in the morning and see if I can catch a glimpse of them. I think we have 4 drakes and 3 hens or posibly 3 drakes and 4 hens. They sure left my backyard in a stinking mess.
i rode the 4 wheeler over to the pond this morning and saw no sign of the ducks but my lab started sniffing the duckweed and going nuts at one corner of the pond. I did not see any feathers or sign of anything having made a meal out of the ducks.
My son went over to the pond with his duckcalls this afternoon and he said all seven came swimming out to the middle splashing around and quacking when he called to them.
I have to work all weekend but he is going to take my camera and try to get some pics. He said they were really trying their wings. They will be flying soon. Hopefully they will hang around the pond a while longer.