Keeping ducks is probably one of the most rewarding, yet time consuming efforts I’ve had the pleasure to experience. They are adorable – they talk back – they are playful, inquisitive, and full of joy. I don’t think my life would be as happy or hilarious without their presence.
But – they can be as messy as the day is long. Not only that, they’re sneaky little stinkers. Since I’ve had ducks starting back in the mid 2000’s – they’ve found ways to hide eggs away so that I was completely unable to find them. I always did find them eventually, in the past, but if they’re too far developed, I allow them to hatch.
Usually I can watch them from a secret place, feeling like a spy – and figure out just about where their nest is, granting me an area to search. It is a case of being a bit smarter than them – which I have to admit, isn’t easy when you’ve got a busy life.
Since moving onto the 56-acre ranch I now have the pleasure of living – it’s gotten nearly impossible to track all 3 females. One has already ditched me and showed up with 5 adorable offspring. Today, I have 8 ducks that are not in hiding, and one female I cannot find.
The dilemma came when I discovered the female duck Mae’s collection of eggs. They had been incubating for more than 2 weeks, and gestation is 3-4 weeks. For some reason, Mae found joy in her sister Mel’s babies, and abandoned her THIRTEEN eggs. What was I to do?
I dusted off the old incubator because I just couldn’t let them die. Once they’ve become beings, I have the obligation to see it through.
So, recently I have candled (peeked inside the eggs with a light) all 13, and discovered little bodies moving around in each and every one… and am expecting them to hatch this week, although, they’re not piping yet.
Piping is when their little beaks come into the air sack of the egg, where they begin the long journey of poking their way through the tough shell. During this time they peep, the egg wiggles, and their efforts are rewarded after hours and sometimes days of struggle… they emerge wet, and awfully weak and fragile looking. (photos to follow!)
The question is – what on earth am I going to do with over 20 ducks in my life? Not only do they eat double the amount of chickens, they are demanding little critters.
I’m not complaining because there really isn’t anything more exciting than watching life emerge from those boring white eggs – but I can see the road ahead is going to be a duck filled one. Filling waters 2 x a day, cleaning pens 2 x a day and buying big bags of food to supply them with plenty to eat – beside the grass and larvae they love.
I can’t imagine what kind of a turn my life is about to take… I have a book to write, school to attend to – and work!
If anyone is interested in PET ducklings, please contact me~ they are adorable and half Mallard and half Khaki Campbell. Taking some would assure me my sanity!
FARM ANIMAL HAVEN SANCTUARY 