Thursday, July 1, 2010

Not so Ugly Duckings

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We have 13 of these sweet little things running about the farm.

They were hatched out the way nature intended, by their Mommas. No help from Country Boy's incubator. The way I most prefer but hatching out eggs with the incubator has been a great learning experience. CB has made some money with it as well. It has been running continuously since April. We just hatched out our 4th batch of rhode island red chicks this past weekend.

Unlike chickens the ducks have yet to cause any destruction to the gardens this season hence why they are still running free and the laying hens are behind fencing. They actually seem to be helping with the bug population. This is the first year ever we have not had problems with insects destroying our crops. Maine Man had to dust a few plants with diamatacious earth once but that was it.
Muscovies are by far are one the EASIEST farm animals. They require very little care, they are quiet & clean. They gather in the barn at night and free range during the day. They forage much of food they eat.

Have I ever mentioned that I love baking with duck eggs?
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7 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 2, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    They are so cute! And non-destruction is a good thing :-) Interesting how they help with keeping the insects away from the plants. Are they roaming in the same area, or do the ducks get at the bugs before the insects even make it to the crops?

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  2. hillybilly annieJuly 2, 2010 at 9:37 AM

    I so love muscovies as well, they free range here on my little farm and I have had 4 bathes of babies thus far. I so love your solid whites

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  3. Little Messy MissyJuly 2, 2010 at 10:20 AM

    So sweet!!!!!!!

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  4. KatieJuly 2, 2010 at 10:31 AM

    So adorable! I can't wait to get more land and a small pond so we can have some ducks.

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  5. YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel SamanthaJuly 2, 2010 at 12:23 PM

    How cute!!!

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  6. MeaganJuly 2, 2010 at 4:49 PM

    I agree completely. Back in March I picked up a breeding pair of chocolate Muscovies and the mama hatched her eggs about two weeks ago. Watching the little ducks grow up and explore around is so priceless. Just yesterday they started taking baths in their pool with their little stubby arms, so cute!!

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  7. Country GirlJuly 4, 2010 at 11:08 PM

    LIALZ - they are free ranging in the areas of the gardens. They are not in them often but usually right around them.

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