Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Raising Welsh Harlequin Ducklings- Week 10 The Duck Run - Free Ranging Ducks

DOUG'S DUCKS

Raising Welsh Harlequin Ducklings- Week 10 The Duck Run- Free Ranging Ducks

Raising Welsh Harlequin Ducklings

On March 3, 2014 my Welsh Harlequin Ducklings hatched at Metzer Farms and arrived at my house on March 5, 2014. To view the Raising Welsh Harlequin Ducklings from the start- Arrival Day Click Here

Over the last threw weeks a few things have taken place.  First I was given some Easter Egg Chicken Hens from my friend and colleague Professor Magnus Thorson. They are about 6 weeks older than my ducks so they are just a few weeks away from laying their first blueish greenish eggs.






Second I have built a duck run so that the ducks and chickens have an enclosed space that I can let them enjoy the outdoors when I am not letting them free range.  I am still deciding if I am going to cover the run to protect from overhead predators such as hawks and eagles as I do see several of them flying around my homestead.

The run is approximately 65 feet in length, as you will see it is odd shaped to accommodate the space and terrain.  I used welded wire fencing and fence posts in the construction.  




Finally and most exciting of all, here is a video of the ducks leaving the house and heading to the water,  Watch as they stretch their wings and fly in excitement to go swimming.  Ducks may be messy but they are definitely fun to watch,