trystinn | Farm Post

Headed outside after the morning rains tapered off to get the farm chores done. Rabbits have been fed and watered (half empty bottles swapped for full ones, half empties filled for tomorrow). I cleaned out both the pen pond and the big pond's filter (Ewww), filled up waterers and duck feeders. The little ducklings are paddling around in their day pen, protected from the big ones by wood slats around the base.

Given that the Rouens and Runners (the R&Rs) have grown considerably faster than their Campbell siblings, I'm actually considering moving them into the top section of the hutch tonight. Fortunately, the Campbells only use the bottom section at night so that works out quite neatly. I've cleaned out the top and put down a thick layer of hay for warmth, and I'll set up the heat lamp for them later, as well. At this point, there's only a 10 - 15 degree differential between day and night temperatures so I'm hoping this will work since all three breeds are well known as cold weather ducks.

For anyone curious-
Campbells: five weeks, Campbells lay a multitude of colors: golden, green & pink
Runners & Rouens: two weeks, Runners lay pale eggs & Rouens a golden yellow

I was able to verify with Cenex that the Mystery Ducks are indeed Runners, though they don't seem to know what color(s) they may be. Seems there was a computer goof up, which misidentified all the ducklings as Rouens in that order. This works out great for me: Runners are better layers and actually run vs waddle, so we'll look forward to posting hysterical videos.