[Hayley'sHens]

Oh they are simple adorable 

[Caralou]

Patrick babies tomorrow  Can't wait to meet up with Kate again, and also get to meet Em so should be a lovely day 

[Hayley'sHens]

Im jealous 

[Caralou]

I have to drive past Manchester from Leeds - you could always sneak in the car 

[Hayley'sHens]

Thats a very tempting offer 

[Kate and her Ducks]

Well Em came and picked up her Patrick Babies today and it was lovely to meet her and Dean. Unfortunately Cara is having Kitty Crises and couldn't make it but hopefully be along another day (sure she will be able to pick you up on the way, Hayley ;-)).

OH lit the BBQ (so he is happy) an wondered at the fact that 2 ducklings could be exchanged for 4 bags of well rotted horse manure and some meal worms and everyone was pleased with the arrangement! He's new to all this ducky business!

Thrilled to know that another two Patrick babies have gone to such a wonderful home and at least this way you will all get loads more pics as I know I'm hopeless!

[joyfull]

sounds like a good swap to me and so pleased that Em has gone away with her duckies. So come on Em are you home yet and have you got that camera ready? 

[Kate and her Ducks]

Don't think they will be home for a couple of hours yet. They've got to get to Cardiff!

[Hawkins]

We are home, we all travelled very well we stopped a few times to feed and water the babies. so it took us about 5 hours to get home. Were all a bit tired but very happy. The girls are settling in and having a bit of a nap, they are so friendly its amazing. I think and hope they like me already I was talking to them all the wat home and they were cheeping back.

Sorry guys but pics will have to be tomorrow. I think they need a bit of a rest tonight.

Thank you again Kate we had a fab day it was nice to meet you and the OH and all your gorgeous ducks, Dean was very taken with your welsh Harlequins. Watch this space. A better update tomorrow and pics I promise.

[joyfull]

looking forward to them Em, so pleased you had a great time 

[Caralou]

So glad you had a lovely day  Sorry I couldn't come - Blossom had other ideas for me today involving lots of fuss and vet trips  I'm hoping that I can arrange with Lizzie so we come the same time to see Kate and the Patrick babas - I'm so jealous that you have your little angels and I have to wait 

[Hawkins]

It was a shame we missed you Cara but we totally understand I hope blossom is okay. Im sure you will have your patrick babies soon. I think Kate gave me the naughtiest two they were nibbling my fingers through the cat cage all the way home. They are all gorgeous. Kate had to choose for me as I just couldnt they were all so pretty and the baby quails, well thats another matter there like little bees on motorbikes, so fast and so small.

[Kate and her Ducks]

I have two gorgeous babas picked out for you and Lizzie so it's just a case of picking them up 

looking forward to catching up again.

Will try and post a couple of pics tomorrow.

[lisa123]

hi there sorry to interupt and congratulations on your ducklings. my duckling hasnt long hatched and other one on way. how old do they have to be before you sex them and how do you sex them? thanks

[Kate and her Ducks]

It is possible to vent sex them at a couple of days old but this is really a skill you need to be taught by someone who knows what they are doing. You can cause injury if not done correctly.

By 6 to 8 weeks old they will develop their quack (although one or two of mine have started making the occasional quack already at 3 weeks old). Girls have the normal quack. Boys sound like they have a sore throat.

By abou 18 weeks they will moult into their nuptial plummage and depending on their breed some can be told apart by that. In all mallard decent ducks the boys also have a sex feather on their tail (curly feathers on their tail) but by this time it is usually easy to tell them apart by their voice.