Talking Heads…..Duck Heads, That Is!
Every day I am fascinated by how much the ducks are talking, maybe I should say quacking. But really, it seems like they talk to me, if only I could understand! I get the feeling they are yelling something like “Feed us goodies!” or “WE WANT WORMS!”
This is RINGO. She has turned into a hen at 3 months. I can tell because her head hasn’t turned green and she is the smallest of the bunch. Ringo also has a really definite QUACK, which makes it obvious she is female.
This one could be a female, but I highly doubt it. In the sunlight I am starting to see feathers that glow green. That is for sure a drake.
This is Sonny, he’s a HUGE Rouen, maybe 5 lbs. right now. He came with Cher, but I’m starting to think Cher might be a drake too! Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Too damn many drakes in this bunch??!!
Now THIS is what it looks like when you are so sad because what you thought was a hen has turned into a drake, OVERNIGHT!! Those feathers change so darn fast. Can you see the hints of green?? Darn it!!!
And finally, this is my FOR SURE drake, GEORGE. He has already had his head turn green and his body turn beige. He also sounds kinda like a bullfrog, not a quack like RINGO. His bill is also green with a black bead at the tip, for sure male!! SOOOOOO, this is what’s gonna happen tomorrow…………..
My adorable, what I thought were mostly hens, turned drakes, will be TRADED! Thank goodness for www.craigslist.com because without that my one poor hen, RINGO, would not be a happy duck :-0
I found a farmer with Khaki Campbell hens!! HOORAY! So, I am trading George, the ultimate drake, for 3 hens AND, they are a year old and already LAYING, OMG!!!
Say GOODBYE GEORGE, as tomorrow will arrive new hens. Sad to see him go, but I just can’t wait for tomorrow. I hope I can sleep tonight!
Kelsey on 2009.05.25
hey mama,
so exchanging for some hens? http://www.saucydish.com
Duck Lady on 2009.05.26
SURE AM!!
Josie on 2009.05.26
That actually is kinda sad..
I am glad I’m not one of your drakes!
Duck Lady on 2009.05.26
I know, makes me a little sad too! But it would be more sad for the one female if there were 6 drakes :-0 OMG!!
Linda M. on 2009.05.27
Hi, I found you while stalking the comments on Pioneer Woman……..of course the “Duck thing” caught my eye. I live in south Florida & recently moved in with my oldest Son who lives on a lake. SO of course,I’ve come to love the ducks he has here. They’re Muscovy Ducks & there’s also some Mottled Ducks. So many people don’t care for the Muscovy’s, but I find them very loving & friendly along with pretty smart,as ducks go…..LOL…..I so enjoyed your Ducks story’s & I wonder what kind they are. You probably mentioned it & I just didn’t see it. That’s what happens when you’re my age…….It was just mating season around here & I had to learn real fast to turn my head & walk away,as the ritual is very,very violent to see! The first time I saw them, I was mortified & felt terrible for the little girl. But just as sure as I’m writing this, when it was all said & done,she followed him right back to the water! LOL That’s when i knew I’d have to just leave & give them their time alone!
I’ll be watching your adventures with your ducks & I know I’ll learn a lot along the way! I still don’t know the girls from the boys around here………except of course the obvious! LOL Thanks, I really loved the pictures too! Linda
Duck Lady on 2009.05.27
Thanks for the note, Linda. The majority are Khaki Campbells, then there is one pekin and one rouen. I agree with your comments on that darn mating ritual. Not too pleasant to watch, but hey, that’s nature I guess!