STEEPLE DUCKS

LATEST 22nd November 2009

The blue jersey giant cross hen, a very big bird, that reared 2 sets of chicks last year settled at last and took on newly hatched - 2 chicks, 13 runner ducklings (9 trouts & 4 blue trouts) and a Pilgrim gosling......that makes a lovely goose down duvet for a chick.

Rhodebar x Cream legbar chicks

A first time broody salmon faverolle bantam has reared some rhodebar, rhodebar x (welbar x cream legbar) x cream legbar chicks and another batch and a Pilgrim gosling that is bigger than her plus mothering the last 3 goslings to hatch this year.

A big blue jersey giant cross hen broodied 13 ducklings, a Pilgrim gosling and 2 chicks. The gosling has gone to a new home. She is broody again.

A second batch of runners including 6 younger ones have feathered up.

A third batch including 1 male Pilgrim gosling are out with them.

The gander thinks the goslings are great.

These are trout colour, blue trout and apricot trout and a Pilgrim gosling.

The second brood for the Salmon Faverolle, they're all tucked under except "where did he go"?

First few minutes out, very warm, so happy sat in the pot rather than under mum.

A good broody is worth her weight in gold.

A young pair

1 Nov 09: took along some runners to the British Waterfowl Association National Waterfowl Exhibition and was pleased with 2nd and 3rd place for the 2 trout ducks and a 3rd for a trout drake. I was happy with my ducks particularly as the 3rd placed duck, my youngest 09 duck, injured her leg and was hopping or pushing herself along on her belly for more than 5 weeks before regaining full use of it. Try getting a runner to rest! As for the drakes - I want the 1st & 2nd placed birds for my girls!

24 Oct 09: All the birds have new feathers to arrange into place.

Goslings 25 October 09

The Light Sussex kindly gave them a worm