NOT what I expected to wake up to this morning...

[AlanThePig]

Some of you might recall we have a rather large pond in our garden. On it we have a pair of ducks. First day of lockdown appeared ten, beautiful ducklings. They grew up, flew away and that was that until next spring.

Except I woke up to this......
There are ten more (seven in this photo) and I can only assume the warm weather has thoroughly confused her.

I'm now going spend the next few months fretting over bloody wildlife.

I need something with night vision as I can't tell tonight whether they ducked off or not.
Ducklings were fed about half four and both parents present at that point. I flicked the cctv on but it's quite foggy here with bonfires and the like so couldn't really see much. Could try the iPhone trick again but tbh if I can't see them I'll then spend another night worrying so I'm just going to assume all is well and go to bed.

Just stumbled on this thread and it's so lovely, the ducks seemed to grow quickly in a few weeks, you are doing them proud OP

How is duckingham palace coming along?

@Soubriquet

How is duckingham palace coming along?

Suffering a current setback. The garage is full with DHs car so the workspace at the back limited. We ordered a shed about two months ago to go in the back garden and give us some workspace. Should have been delivered this month but had a phone call Wednesday to say actually, it’s not coming and they have no idea if or when it’s coming at all. Ended up cancelling so am now on a shed hunt, this time for something plastic, 8x6 and deliverable this year. As soon as that comes there will be undercover space to get duckingham palace started.

I absolutely love this thread. A friend has ducks and I look after them sometimes. They really are not the brightest of animals but they are so cute!

Can recommend Keter sheds. Costco carry them. Love the ducks!

@TheMShip

Can recommend Keter sheds. Costco carry them. Love the ducks!

We'd looked at those but the area is a funny size so not sure it will work at the moment. I think realistically we'll end up leaving the shed until the new year, see if we can rejig some things in the garden to create more room and buy one then.

Duckingham palace may have to wait until spring but they seem happy enough on the platform for now.

I've just discovered this lovely thread.

In these strange, troubled times, it is balm for the soul.

Thank you

So, dd is massively into sea shanties (dno't ask) and she has just played my this. I think it is appropriate for this thread....

The dreaded Moby Duck haha. I love it.

Saw both Dunc and Weena take off about 5ish earlier, I was late closing the curtains and just caught sight of them buggering off. Unsure if they are back and I'm not checking because I'll worry myself again.
Friday night on the tiles clearly. Those ducks get out more than we do.

In other news we've spotted the funny, tiny little wings they get today. So amusing when they flap them. I'll try and get some photos tomorrow.

I hope that all is well @AlanThePig and that everyone is present and correct?

Aww how adorable

@RedRosie

I hope that all is well *@AlanThePig* and that everyone is present and correct?

They are all fine happily.

I've not been out today, I have a stinking head cold thats giving me some real pain in my teeth so I've sat on the sofa all day watching Netflix and left DH to feeding duties.

Get well soon.

Sorry to hear that @alanthepig ... Do look after yourself and get well soon

Thanks all.

Good news is we found a local shed company that can deliver what we need before Christmas. Existing shed is one of those keter store it things so whilst it's great for the lawnmower it's not so much suited to building forever homes for ducks.

Bad news, after having to be a bit naughty with lockdown showers last week when DS's boiler went kaput, ours has died tonight and it's terminal. We've been nursing it for two years as we knew it was on its last legs, but still. More hassle.

On the plus side DH was told he's getting a very unexpected Christmas bonus. He's buying a boiler 😂

Sorry to hear you're feeling rubbish and the boiler died but what a bonus your DH's bonus is!!!!!

Feeling a lot better today. Ears a bit whistly but the pain in my teeth seems to have subsided.

Christmas bonus was quite the surprise, especially as he’d been reduced to a 4 day week. Looks like it’s coming in useful now. Ordered new boiler so should be back with heat on Tuesday all being well.

Meanwhile these little cuties are three weeks today. We have managed to name one, we think it’s possibly a girl (the eye stripe isn’t as thick on a female as a male) and she’s smaller than the others, so we called her dot.

Where do Dunc and Weena fly off to ?
The duck equivalent of a Premier Inn/ Travelodge for a bit of privacy from the wains/bairns ?
A tad irresponsible but I suppose they have you as a duckling sitter.

Such a lovely picture. Never stop!

Lovely pic! 😃

Just taken out a crust. Distinctly unimpressed. I mean why would they want bread when there is eye wateringly expensive duck food on offer...

Anyway. All are well and adult feathers are starting to appear.

Lovely. @AlanThePig what's in the duck food? I imagine a gourmet fusion creation ...

@RedRosie

Lovely. *@AlanThePig* what's in the duck food? I imagine a gourmet fusion creation ...

According to the website I order from:

"Our pellets contain wheat, wheatfeed, soya, whole maize, fish meal and soya oil"

So yes, I understand why they are turning their beaks up at a slice of white bread 😂

I think we'll be round to yours for tea

I hope the weather is as mild as it is in London, and all the little ducks are accounted for. Each day they get bigger they get safer from predators.