Growing Ducks

Backyard Poultry

First Swim

It was when the growing ducklings were four weeks old that they had their first swim. The "pond" was a blue kiddie pool filled from the garden hose. The ducks became attached to it for life. Right now it must have seemed like a lake as they splashed and dived in the clear water. Alas, as they grew, the pond did not, and became more like a bathtub than a spacious pond.

The Water Hole

Already, at six weeks, Daffy was near to outgrowing the Khakis! The white Pekin, being a meat duck, was very plump and still had only its down feathers. On the other hand, Cocoa and Piney boasted beautiful, patterned outer feathers and fast-developing wings. The Khakis were very lightweight at this age and loved to fly, getting almost three feet off the ground sometimes!

What's For Dinner?

The mischieveous side of the ducks remained as well, and they loved to chew on everything from grass to tennis shoes! They were so friendly at this age, and ran over to huddle by my sister whenever they were frightened. In the photo above, Piney is actually chewing on the wrist strap of the camera that took this picture! I wonder how it tasted.