With the limited garden space that I have, it's quite a task trying to integrate the different ducklings safely.
Disco has 10 and is very protective, she has no problem attacking the 6 week old yellow ducklings if they venture too close to her wee ones.
On top of that, Saffron comes off her nest 3 or 4 times a day and can cause mayhem in the 5 or 10 minutes she is off the nest. I also have to watch the Herring gulls on the roof eyeing up the ducklings for a quick meal !
Getting them used to each other at a distance has been the key.
The use of the aviary and folding coop allowing all of them use of the pool in turn, then gradually letting them integrate, has worked out well.
The final test will come next week when Saffron is due to hatch her clutch... no doubt some mayhem again ! Short video below, showing Disco keeping order.
Oh Joe, that video did make me smile at Disco rushing out to give those older white ducklings a right good telling off, not once but twice! So funny, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHope you are well and enjoying this wonderful time of year x Wendy Grocott-Jones
Hi Wendy, It's even more hilarious when Saffron chases them around the garden and out of the pond...it's so fast ! I'll try and get some video of her when around. Hope Beatrix found a mate and no more bird flu around ?
ReplyDeleteOurs should be hatching soon. Take care Joe x
Hi Joe, not only did Beatrix find a new mate, we have called him Bradley because he was first seen at Bradley Lock, but they have a family of seven gorgeous cygnets! Four hatched on May 3rd, two more on May 4th and the last one yesterday, May 5th.
ReplyDeleteThey have all been in the water today, swimming around with pen and cob. Vulcan would never let any cygnets get too close to him, although he protected them very well. Bradley, on the other hand, is happy to have them cuddled together under his wings. He only objects if one tries to climb on his back. He has been very attentive throughout the incubation period and the hatching process. They abandoned the original nest for some unknown reason and built a new nest right at the farthest end of our stretch of canal. They built it frantically because she was ready to lay an egg. The egg was laid in a half-built nest and they completed the nest in two days! The new nest is so close to the cycle path and is far more open to the elements and the surrounding area that we are still worried for their safety. I asked the council to put up a temporary fence, but they refused, typically! I just hope they stay safe.
I look forward to seeing photos of Sue and Slim’s offspring soon. Take care and stay safe yourself, Joe.
Love from Wendy x
Wendy, that is great news I'm so pleased for you and the new family ! I think the new partner would want to start afresh with the nest. He may have thought the old nest belonged to another pair and would avoid it for fear of confrontation. Pity the council would not help with a fence, but is typical !
ReplyDeleteWill post when Sue hatches hers. Thanks for the good news. Joe x