The Duck Chronicles Episode Eighteen – Now They Know What The Fences Mean
In The Duck Chronicles Episode Eighteen – Now They Know What The Fences Mean we start off with the baby ducks that are not quite so “baby” any more. Likely Friday we will do a weigh in on a few to get some idea of how much growth is going on.
Today they have managed to mud up their fresh water in about 5 minutes flat. Many of them have also gotten a bit muddy having a party. Speaking of parties, we now know the reason the pen is so messy by morning even though we move them each evening. Last night there was a full on duck party, bathing, eating and pooping at about 230 AM.
It was also the coldest night yet for them to be outside alone. Lows last night hit the high 20s but they didn’t seem to care. Frankly at this point they are too large to be sheltered under a mother duck any longer, so even if they were being brooded by a mother duck they would have to huddle for warmth anyway.
I also handle some more Q&A. We discuss the diet of the adult ducks and how much they get from forage. Again the brand of feed is Texas Naturals, you can learn more about it here, http://www.texasnaturalfeeds.com/ the adults get a layer ration and sometimes they get the “Hen Scratch” stuff, which they love. I would estimate they get say 50-60% of their diet off the land, likely a bit less in the depths of winter and may be more in the height of spring and summer.
I also show you a bit more around the property; we visit the ducks and geese who are now confined for the day on the North Paddock. The ducks seem to be accepting the new system with a bit of grace, but the geese are not amused at all about it.
I finish up with a few thoughts about Permaculture, to see my free Design Series on Permaculture just visit, http://bit.ly/1A0F9hP
Today we also have our second adjunct video, you get to see what awaits me every morning when I first open the door, hot coffee in hand. Yes this puts you in a good mood right away.
Dammit Jack! Why on earth did I start watching these?! I am in no place to get Ducks and Geese right now!!!
You said that the Geese eat pretty much just Grass. How much feed do you supplement the Geese with?
Thanks!
I think the Musckovy ducks are more of a flight duck than the others? But i know they dont quack which is why I am looking at getting them because of neighbors. Question is do you have any problems with them getting over the 3 foot fence and do you clip their wings or maybe just 1 wing to throw them off balance?
Thank you
One wing and no problems.
Thank you!
Looking forward to the next episode.
I laughed out loud when you mentioned not to step in the previous paddock area for fear of falling on your back! I had done that very thing at PermaEthos moving those chickens! Jesse and I laughed our butts off, after I got up off of mine…