The backyard flooded after the crazy storm. The clouds cleared up as fast as they came and the mud proved to be a table set for a feast for Waddles and Clyde. I had no idea that the ducks would tear the yard up more than our dogs! We have holes all over the place now.....but very happy ducks.
They were so happy that when the hens came over to join in the fun the ducklings turned around and chased them away. They grabbed Fifi (the Faverolle) by the wings and about throw her our of the way! I'd never seen such a thing. The ducks really protect the baby chicks from the hens as well as the dogs. Of course they are bigger than my little white dog...lol
The ducks have proved to be messy as babies. I wasn't prepared for them and their need of swimming accommodations. Now that I have the baby pool set up and they are trained to come in when it's time they are very easy. I have to say that we are falling for them more and more. We had thoughts of re-homing them. When it comes down to it, we're all suckers here for a pretty feathered face. They are so bonded to the chicks that I can't imagine separating them now.
I keep them in the tractor (usually closed up all the way...unlike in the picture) when someone isn't outside with them. I'm a nervous mother..I admit it. Luckily for the babies, we almost live outside as long as it isn't raining...and even then the girls love to play in the rain.
This Faverolle would win an ugly bird contest. A few feathers are coming back to her head now. Both of our Faverolles lost all their head feathers! They've been totally bald....like vultures. They weren't pecked on. I guess it's just an ugly molt. Their backs were naked as well. I've checked the coop and gave it a total over haul. There are no mites to blame. A number of the other hens their same age are also bare in places. My older hens are fine. These girls are 1 year old. They sure aren't as cute as they were as babies.
