Ducks in a Row

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Abstract

boys. I have had male, female pairs before but it sometimes leads to trouble as the mama tends to nest not near the pond where she would be protected. Therefore vulnerable to predators. One year I had 7 baby ducks. That was exciting.<figure id="0366"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*zBaTlsBaBBFMQwgBVAatGA.jpeg"><figcaption>Author Photo</figcaption></figure>They are fun to watch. With a quick whistle, they come running up the bank to near the cellar entrance where I feed them each evening. After a few minutes of dining, they scurry back to the pond where they remain at night, afloat, safe from harm. Why feed them near the cellar door? Well, there's a method to my madness.When Fall arrives and the pond starts to freeze, it’s time for them to be taken inside for their winter retreat. But how to catch them? Ever tried chasing down ducks? These guys don’t really fly, most domesti

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cated ducks don’t. However, they are quick and smart. They know that something is different.So I feed them near the cellar door so they are comfortable coming up near the house. Then just 20 more feet is needed to coax them into the cellar, where I barricade a section off so they don’t run and hide in there.The last step is to throw a blanket over them to calm them and then carry them to the awaiting pen. Most times this works, sometimes a second attempt is needed the next day when they have calmed down and are trusting of me again.As soon as the pond thaws in the spring, out they go. Free again. Free rangers. On an adventure.We enjoy having them out all summer. It adds life. Fun to watch. They even occasionally come to visit me when I'm in the garden. And of course, like clockwork, they come up to the house every evening letting you know its dinner time.</article></body>

Ducks in a Row

How Many Hobbies Can One Man Have?

I have only been writing on Medium for a few weeks, and already you know I am an avid bird watcher, gardener, nature lover, mountain biker, lover of tomatoes, hiker, collector of baseball cards, and more. Ducks?

Well, I have a pond. Small pond, 150 ft. by 50 ft. oval. Well, not that small. I live in the country. So why not ducks?

I’ve had ducks now for 10 or more years. They are free rangers. Except in winter, they are safely tucked away in their hay lined cage in the garage/barn. Water and food a plenty, safe from the wind and snow. Over the years I have lost a few, some to old age, a couple to predators.

I currently have 2 Cayuga ducks, 2 boys. I have had male, female pairs before but it sometimes leads to trouble as the mama tends to nest not near the pond where she would be protected. Therefore vulnerable to predators. One year I had 7 baby ducks. That was exciting.

Author Photo

They are fun to watch. With a quick whistle, they come running up the bank to near the cellar entrance where I feed them each evening. After a few minutes of dining, they scurry back to the pond where they remain at night, afloat, safe from harm. Why feed them near the cellar door? Well, there's a method to my madness.

When Fall arrives and the pond starts to freeze, it’s time for them to be taken inside for their winter retreat. But how to catch them? Ever tried chasing down ducks? These guys don’t really fly, most domesticated ducks don’t. However, they are quick and smart. They know that something is different.

So I feed them near the cellar door so they are comfortable coming up near the house. Then just 20 more feet is needed to coax them into the cellar, where I barricade a section off so they don’t run and hide in there.

The last step is to throw a blanket over them to calm them and then carry them to the awaiting pen. Most times this works, sometimes a second attempt is needed the next day when they have calmed down and are trusting of me again.

As soon as the pond thaws in the spring, out they go. Free again. Free rangers. On an adventure.

We enjoy having them out all summer. It adds life. Fun to watch. They even occasionally come to visit me when I'm in the garden. And of course, like clockwork, they come up to the house every evening letting you know its dinner time.