Well, I finally did it. **UPDATED with Pics!*

[aduckstolemyheart]

Wow, your list of concerns certainly is greater than mine. In some respects moving to a place closer to the city has been a good thing. The predator list has been whittled down a great deal. Now I mostly deal with coons, possums, and the rare hawk. I am sure it is not impossible to encounter other predators, but luckilly it is not a daily concern.

I feel for you, as we used to live in the middle of nowhere country and there were coyotes, turtles, hawks and TONS of eagles.

My biggest fear is a hawk or something, as I have not had the free funds to invest in flight netting or etc. to top off the yard. Also I suppose I worry about my drake getting too testy and hurting them, although that seems pretty unlikely based on how amazingly good he's been with them.

Good luck on getting the right weather, and the pens complete so your babies can go out! Let us know when they finally make the switch!

 

[katharinad]

Quote:
Yeah, this is what he is really saying: "Alright girls, show me the money....."

He is counting his blessings.

Katharina

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

Alright, what good is a thread without pics!

So here we go!

The three of them....I love this one, it shows Lep's crest soooo well:

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Awwwww, That is SO sweet! I think those ducklings look plenty big to be with Bella. You've supervised and they are getting along well so "You did good."

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

Quote:

Nice!

I wish I knew their sex already! I think the Pekin will wind up female, based off her "new voice" but until it completely changes I can't be sure. She's pretty honky.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

Thank you Keeper, good to know! I was hoping they were big enough, and they truly seem to be doing great. Boy I know they're happy!

 

[Horsefly]

Wow did you say they were 5 1/2 weeks old? My two pekins are 5 1/2 weeks today and they are way bigger and almost fully feathered. I have heard chickens feather fast when in cooler temperatures (like outside) but our ducks are at way different developement stages. I did put mine out at 2- 2 1/2 weeks when they started looking like yours now.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

Yeah, I saw pics of yours in another thread, and I was like WOW!

I cannot even tell you why it's such a difference. Mine were born March 21st. there about. Crazy how big yours are!! I don't know if mine are small, or if yours are freakishly huge!

Would be interesting to see if anyone else has a comment on the dramatic life stage difference?

*Edited because it's too early and I have not had enough coffee to write a post without mistakes yet. lol

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Yeah, you're for whatever reason your's look a bit behind in development. Mine were born first week of March & here they are at about 5-6wks. Note the baby fuzz on the back of the head and neck.... but that's about all.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

Quote:
Are you saying they have a ...(looks around to make sure the babies are not within hearing distance)....disability??? :

Shame on you.

I'm kidding, lol. I don't know why they're so much smaller! I kept them at the recomended temp. and they have seemed very healthy! I know the dates are right, because I have had them since they were 2 days old. Weird.