Ducks!

When we moved to our mini farm I knew that we would have chickens and horses. Fast forward one short year and we also have ducks and a bunny! I lobbied for ducklings on their cute factor~who can resist~and for their slug eating proclivities. Our garden needs some serious slug protection in this wet weather. Penelope and Sabrina are one month old and have been seen eating up to ten slugs in an hour. Go ducks!

I researched waterfowl breeds and found that Welsh Harlequins are the friendliest of all ducks and are an endangered breed. I thought I would do my part *wink* and order these in the mail. Yep, mail order is what you do if your local feed store doesn't have them available. We received these cuties from California on day three of their lives.

Interestingly enough, they have become quite friendly and like to follow us around the yard. They don't care to be petted or picked up but do seem to seek out our company. Last week they even followed me into the house! We pen them up at night so predators like raccoons, coyotes, and foxes won't get them.

Ducks are interesting and will seem more useful when they are laying eggs in 4-6 months. They are easier on our land then the hens who dig and scratch at the ground. They are messier and tend to have alot of watery poo. Regardless, I am happy to have had the experience of raising them and grateful that we aren't restricted by space or H.O. rules.