Liz & Matt’s Home Extension Blog

a journal by Liz & Matt Coates



Daphne does us proud

by Liz & Matt Coates Mar.10.2010 11:21:24 pm


We’re a bit behind with this news but, back in the first week of February, much to everyone’s delight, Daphne produced her first egg, followed by two more over the next couple of days.  Slightly smaller than the hens eggs, they are a beautiful pale blue-green colour (I guess it’s what you’d call duck egg blue) and they taste lovely too.

Daphne’s first 3 eggs

Soon after this, the ducks decided that their converted guinea-pig hutch was no longer adequate and they moved into the shed with the hens (to be fair I think it was Daphne’s idea - Draco just did what he was told).  We installed a nesting box for them and they now occupy the ground floor at night, while the hens roost above them on the perch.  They have also become much more confident and adventurous over the last month.  They are now very keen to get out and about in the mornings and, although they spend most of their time in or close to the pond, they have even started exploring around the rest of the garden.

The supply of eggs slowed considerably after the first week, but we still got the odd one every few days and thought nothing of it since they are still quite young and are not supposed to produce all year round.  Today, however, S discovered a magnificent total of 17 eggs in a nest hidden in the hedge by the pond, which at least explains why Draco has been defending the area from the hens so aggressively.  It’s been pretty cold for the last month and Daphne hasn’t been seen sitting on them, so hopefully most will still be good for eating.

Anyone fancy an omelette?

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