Completely Quackers

We had some new family members join us in the last week. The Husband is less than impressed that I took 22 chickens to sell at Salisbury Poultry Auction and then returned home with a pair of butterscoth call ducks. Which, of course, swiftly became three when they we joined by another duck, apricot this time, the next day. Shame on me! Although, to be fair, I did give The Husband ample warning that a duck or two may be coming home with me. And I gave him every chance to make divorce threats. But it didn't happen, so the little quackers came home with me, snug in a box in the boot of the car. Hooray!

They now have a snuggly bug house ( a spotlessley clean chicken coop), a nice muddy run and a deep addling pool to float aroun in. They're as happy as can be :) We feed them on corn and poultry layers pellets at the moment, although we may well get some waterfowl pellets for them becuase these float in the water and allow the ducks to naturally dabble as they would in the wild.

Milo and Tabitha are still at an age where I can (gently) direct them in what to call their animals. So Milo's girl is Daisy Duck and Tabitha's girl in Maisie Duck. Innovative and unique, n'est pas? IN the picture above they are Maisy at the top and Daisy at the bottom. They are friendly girls, both under six months, I think, and probably a way off laying.

My headstrong four-year-old has more sway in naming his animals. Tragically for them. I csertainly hope never to have to take the drake in the trio to the vet and explain on the registration form that his name is Super Duck. Elliott was firm that this was what he should be called, even though I pointed out his lack of superhero qualities. He has, Elliott explained, tucked his cape up under his wings and only needs to use it when flying. OK, then.

I'm surprised by how little mess they make really, having read the horror stories about how mucky ducks are. And although they're not particuarly noisy, I love it when the girls set off into peals of quack-like laughter. I love it!