Waterfowl Pics and Chat!

[Marty1876]

Our state testers asks that we keep everyone locked up until tested. We worked as a team (hubby and I) and would each have a bird in hand to test. We also had two testers here plus one in training to get through them all quickly.


Marty we have 3 new (not so new as feathers are starting to grow) scovy ducklings. I havent vent sexed them yet. However yes we do sell hatching eggs, our girls are still laying and we have lots in the bator again.

I really hate brooding. Hatch some out, and when they are a month old, send me two?

 

[JulieNKC]

My NPIP testing is a week from Thursday! Woo Hoo! (more or less)

Of course, now I have to test every December. I'm going to keep the birds in the barn that day for easy catching, then release one at a time. They have to draw a bit of blood, and test it one at a time. If everyone's ok, you get a paper that you have to send, and they give you your NPIP number. (at least thats how it worked for the sebbies this summer that 4H let us test when others were testing). I only tested them, so I need to test everyone I've got an interest in selling eggs from, or offspring from. Since I'm not going to add many geese to the flock (maybe a gray toulouse or two from hatching some eggs from Iain to replace lost one, and a few of the buffs too) everyone else leaves as eggs or babies. I've allready got a waiting list for my Java eggs 4 deep, so they are all waiting for NPIP. I did sell some eggs allready, since the birds were NPIP before I got them and I had the number, but nothing else can be sold until....

I have December testing now too. Hoping the December weather we've had for the most part the last few years sticks around in the future, lol.

I really hate brooding. Hatch some out, and when they are a month old, send me two?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

I can check these that are outside in the brooder house. Once feathered in more we could send two (if they vent sex girls) or once the next eggs hatch and grow some send two girls. I will check these today before we butcher the Christmas goose and duck order. They would be good to ship late Jan/ early Feb most likely. Otherwise March for the next round. They could be kept without heat in the barn easily. We dont heat the brooder house, they have a ceramic heat lamp over their stall now they can lay under if needed.

 

[Going Bhonkers]

splashing around

 

[Going Bhonkers]

My goose finally did the flip-over move in the kiddie pool the other day. I had seen geese do it in some of the videos you all have posted, but mine had never done it. Except the kiddie pool is shallow so it was more of a flip half way, fall over to the side, with legs flailing, and then maneuver right side up again. Very funny to watch

 

[Marty1876]

I've never seen mine do anything like that. I guess they missed the memo!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've only seen Missy my Toulouse do it, To undignified for Sammy to try. lol

 

[Marty1876]

Nice to see you Miss Lydia! How are you? How were your Holy days?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Nice to see you Miss Lydia! How are you? How were your Holy days?

Hi Marty

I'm doing well. would be alot happier if i could go out side without freezing but those days get closer everyday.

Our Holy days have been wonderful. How about you and yours?

 

[Marty1876]

Ours were OK. We were happy to celebrate Jesus birthday, but my heart wasn't all holly and jolly, but next years will be better. I missed Dad very much. I know this will get easier, but I have to agree with others, you don't get over it apparently. Just get used to it.

Baby continues to stand (and use her wings as supports). She and Lucky cuddle up at night in their stall in the barn. Its very sweet. I will try to get some pics today, its been awhile. Both have excellent appetites, so that really makes me feel better about them. They both get around in their own fashion, so once it warms up (in a month or two) I'll keep them togather in a pen until both are well and mobile (or not).