Baby Quackers!!

My cell phone rang loudly at about 6 AM this morning. Half-asleep, I reached for and mustered a "Hello?" Before anyone on the other line said anything, I could hear loud peeping in the background. MY BABY DUCKS WERE HERE! I hopped out of bed and threw on some clothes and raced to the Post Office Annex on McFarland. I honestly was SO excited but didn't really know what to expect.

Having our current ducks had been quite the learning experience. We ended up with four males and one female. As they matured, I quickly realized that was not going to work for the lone female. The boys were just too pushy and she was very outnumbered. I decided it would be in her best interest if we got some more females to provide the boys with a little more "distraction." I ordered six females (3 Cayugas and 3 Buff ducks) from Meyer Hatchery and had them shipped as quickly as possible.

The shipping process is quite unique. The ducks are shipped at one day old, with a heat pack and overnight shipping. When they got here, they have to be taught how to eat and drink by dipping their beaks in food and water.

So for the time being, they six baby girls are in their brooder. They eat, drink, peep and poop (a LOT).

The shipping box.

Finally here!

Sleeping under the heat lamp.