Hi,
I’ve got an Aylesbury which first pipped about 36 hours ago, after the other ducklings had hatched. It’s now day 30/31, and I attempted to assist it, but found that it was very ‘gunky’ inside the egg, and the membrane started to bleed a little so I’ve put it back into the incubator. The...
:love
You could probably voice sex them by now (or at least in the next few weeks) - females make a deep quack and drakes a hoarse whisper. Unfortunately foot colour won’t give you any indication of sex.
I’m dealing with a similar issue.... but with 23 ducklings :barnie.
In the past I’ve trained them to drink from nipple drinkers (but with a daily bath to allow them to clean their nostrils and eyes).
Although I also use the chick drinker on mesh platform setup which also works really well.
I have been keeping my ducks within a 145cm high electric fence for about a year now and I haven't had any issues. They don't get locked up in a coop at night, but the fence does the job and I haven't had any fatalities, despite living in an area with a large population of foxes.
Here are some full body photos... I have to say that I was suspecting a cockerel with the colouring and hackle feathers, although I just thought I'd double check before he goes to the RSPCA (I don't think my current roo would be too chuffed with another boy in the flock).
ETA: I'm pretty sure...
I'd suggest that you contact the Sussex club secretary, and ask her if there are any breeders willing to export some eggs.
The contact details can be found here:
http://www.poultryclub.org/poultry/breed-clubs/
Good luck!
Charlotte
I'm sorry, but I have no idea what the North Seattle climate is like :confused:....
I personally use pea gravel- it's great drainage and the poop can easily be hosed away. I think the sand would very quickly turn into a sloppy mess after ducks have been on it.
Good luck :)