The new ducklings took up residence in the Cricken Choop this morning.
It takes about two weeks for the new guys on the block to get the hang of life in the Barnyard. They spend their time in the Cricken Choop with the heat lamp, until they begin to feather out. The window overlooks the Egg Layer Pen, the Cornish Cross Pen, and Roo the Rooster’s bachelor quarters. Beyond that is the Goat Pen…so there is always lots of action to watch.
They have no window on the other side of the Choop. They can hear their buddies in the Duck Pond, but can’t see them yet. It’s only those of us who have lived at Bent Pine who can anticipate the happy times they have ahead.
The hummingbirds have come to gather nectar from the feeder hung in the Hibiscus Sorrel bushes. They are having to share the feast with the honeybees from other parts (we lost ours again), who are apparently being left hungry in this very hot and dry weather.
Hummingbirds at the new feeder in the Hibiscus
Apparently the neighborhood bees are starving in this hot dry weather. In addition to losing our hive to marauders for the third time, now they are bullying the hummingbirds!
The newest flock of Pekin Ducks were hatched June 4th. At three days they moved from the incubator to the Cricken Choop. Today June 15th they moved outside into the holding cage, situated in the Goose Pen.
Here are their relatives enjoying the rebuilt Duck Pond. This is what they have to look forward to. Their view of the rebuilt pond is perfect from where they currently sit. They will have time to get to see the family in action, and anticipate the future.
Happy Homesteading,
