Motherhood; duckling style

Oftentimes my husband and I have conversations that start like this :

Me : "Hey, I think getting some ducks would be really cool."

Husband : " Ducks are pretty sweet."

Me : "Mom said Tractor Supply has chicks already. Wanna check it out this weekend and just see what they've got?"

Husband : (Now understand he has received the wife 'green light') "I mean, if you want to sure! We can go Saturday after you get out of work."

So, after work on Saturdays I always head to my parents. After coming in and greeting the dogs my dad looks at me with this big grin on his face and says, "So, you're getting ducks?". Ever the instigator he is! So we took a family ride over to the good 'ol TSC and lo and behold...there were a mess of cute little brown Khaki Campbells. Since they looked so happy all cuddled up together we took what they had left, which was nine, home with us and loaded up my dad's brooder in the truck. I grew up with a mess of ducks and ducklings because my Mom adores ducks. You should have seen her staring longingly into the box on our ride home. I think once they're older she'll end up with a few. Needless to say they are all warm and cozy in their brooder fed and watered and entertaining us like mad. I spent close to an hour yesterday peering in like a little kid just watching them. I have to say, it was love at first peep!

Khaki Campbells are known for their great egg laying abilities and we also wanted something to take care of the slug problem we encountered last year. Ducks in general are excellent foragers and don't require much grain in the warmer months. The only downside to the Khaki Campbell is that aren't very good mothers, so we may end up getting a few more ducklings of another breed that make good mothers so we can raise our own ducklings. I am looking forward to having them out with me in the garden eating pests and keeping me company (plus, eating the weeds I throw to them). They are going to make an excellent addition to our growing homestead.

Naptime!

Until next time,

xoxo Stacie