In October 2017 we managed to get some fertilized duck eggs and bought an incubator – a machine that keeps the eggs at the correct temperature and humidity. And after a few weeks, we got ducks, 4 Cayugas and 2 Buff Orpingtons.
The Buff Orpington Duck (beware, there are chickens with the same name, too) is a breed of domestic duck and of a yellowish colour.
A Cayuga Duck is a medium-class domesticated duck breed that has been a popular variety in the USA since the mid-19th century. They are used for egg and meat production, as well as an ornamental bird. Ornamental because of their beautiful shiny blue-black colour.
They are a bit shy (unless they’ll have their feed), can still be caught relatively easy for some patting but unfortunately do not appreciate it too much.
In December 2019 we acquired another 6 ducks with some of them being a cross between Cayugas and Peking or Buff Orpington and Peking. Now we have a total of 9 resident ducks with a varying number of rescue ducks.
It was getting too hard to manage them in their enclosure so we now leave them roaming free and so far they have all stayed.
Picture Collection
Latest blog posts featuring our ducks
Water everywhere – in the midst of winter
It’s been rather wet, foggy and cold in the last couple of days. The cats spent more time inside and expressing a form of cabin fever when awake but they are mostly asleep.
The horses are asking for more food, the chickens are hiding in their house and the ducks – well, the ducks are in their element.
Making quills out of duck feathers
We created quills out of some duck feathers. They have the big advantage that the quill is actually pretty long already. Still not long enough to actually handle them properly though. Shaved some of the vane off and it was much better.
Life is slowing down
After being rather busy over the last week before Christmas with a film crew on site and the typical “everything needs to be finished by Christmas” work frantic, we are now all truly in holiday mode.
All at Pukeatua Farmstay wishing you a lovely and relaxed time and a Happy New 2021. May it bring prosperity and happiness.