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.

@MinnieKat

Well my Eglantine popped this morning. How long do you think before Egwina does?

Oh! Pictures please! Are they born furless? I’m not very clued up on ferrets.

I would think we are due around the end of the month, but I confess I didn’t take note when she went in properly so could be out either side.

These are from her sister’s litter as I’ve got pics of Egg’s litter yet. Her sister had seven kits but we lost three due to her lying on one, and not feeding two. Those ones are now almost 4 weeks old and thriving.

Eglantine had 9 this morning, I went to check her after a little while and found her lying on one which wasn’t moving or breathing after a few minutes of watching. I took it out but saw a tiny spit bubble and gently rubbed its chest and blew very gently and carefully into its mouth and nose. Just a half a breath. It came back! It still looked very weak though so I wasn’t holding out much hope.

I gave it back to Eglantine but she just dumped it away from the others. So on vet advice, I put ‘Lucky’ in with Egg’s sister and her babies. Went back to check a couple of hours later... Lucky has been kept warm and has been fed by their auntie and is now wriggly and squeaky as they should be. And the other 8 are thriving with their mum. If I hadn’t checked when I did, then odds are Lucky wouldn’t have made it as mum was firmly sat on him/her. So fingers crossed that continues. The vet was thrilled that I’d got them back.

They have a wee bit of fuzz but not their proper fur and ears and eyes closed until about 4-5 weeks.

The second photo is at a week and a half old.

That is the cutest thing I have ever seen. It's like a little fuzzy toy!!!
Fingers crossed for lucky!

Aw, this thread is the thread that keeps on giving! Who knew baby ferrets were so cute 😍

It won't be long before we need a new thread!

They are very cute, just starting to get teeth now. I got a picture of Egg’s litter while she was having dinner, my maths was wrong she actually had 10 so she still has nine little ones with her plus Lucky in with her sister.

Pic included of Lucky against his/her new foster siblings. Their mum has hidden them all under the blanket that lined the nursery cage hence the bare floor. They’re happy enough though in a big pile with mum to snuggle with.

Looking forward to seeing the new ducklings and I’m following the blog. :)

I have never seen a baby ferret before 😭💖

@MinnieKat they are cute but I don't think many newborn animals can beat guinea-pigs as they are just adult miniatures eyes open & running around 🥰

Currently working in the garden. Looked up and well, can you see what’s peeping through the door?! It’s not Egwina....

Can’t see the pic. Damn.

We can see be photo

🥰

Ducklings!! Yay!

Ducklings already!!!

@RandomMess

Ducklings already!!!

I really wasn’t expecting that yet! There is a video on the Instagram @ayearonthepond as I struggle to upload here.

Two have ventured out, first one fell in, Egwina shouted at him and kind of dragged him into line, I caught the second one tentatively going down the ramp on video. A quick circuit around the house and they went back in.

I have no idea how many there are. I think I counted six in the doorway when I zoomed in with the camera but I imagine there will be at least ten.
I’m now getting no work done as I’m watching them so as not to miss their first huge outing!

Wonderful!
The cycle (and delightful saga) continues...

Wondering if I should start a new thread for the new brood as we're getting close here. Thoughts? Chat?

Still not out btw. Getting nothing done here....😂

Oh yes please to new thread!!!!

I think we have 14.....

Thread 2....Return of the Quack

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4221971-Duck-Tales-Still-not-what-I-expected-to-wake-up-to-this-morning

Ducklings!

Looks like Egwina and Eglantine popped together. And 14?! And makes Eglantine’s 10 look easy!

Yes please to another thread, I want to see how they get on!