And Then There Were Three Ducks

Meet The Newest Member of My Flock

Back in January I wrote a story about my pet ducks. At that time, they were safely tucked in their winter home in the barn. Enjoying the bedding hay, water and food. Out of the cold wind and snow. Meanwhile, the pond remained quiet and frozen.

Then a few weeks ago, on March 25th, they gained their freedom. The pond ice was gone. They are now free rangers for months to come, until at least November or whenever the pond freezes again.

Then I decided to see if I could find my two Cayuga ducks a friend. I found someone nearby selling some Pekin, Khaki-Campbell mixed breed drakes. As I stated in my first story referenced above, I now only keep male ducks since I have had problems keeping the females safe when they nest in random areas around the yard. For some reason, they won’t nest near the safe haven of the pond. As a rule, the drakes stay near the pond, especially at night. When near or on the pond, they are relatively safe from predators.

Now, about a week after getting the new duck, the 3 have become a tight unit. Of course, there was a little adjustment period, a few quarrels, but they have learned to get along. And then there were three. Never far apart.

Up the hill from the pond they come after a quick whistle. It didn’t take long for the new guy to learn the routine. After a quick snack, back to the pond they go.

I am looking forward to watching them through the Spring, Summer, and Fall. I’m sure they will come visit me when I’m I’m in the garden, which is near the pond.