On the Egg Count page where I keep track of the eggs we get each day, I also have a count of the number of chickens, and now ducks, we have on the farm. Long-time reader SUE noticed that the duckling count recently jumped from 3 to 5, without me saying a word! So, yes.... yes, it's true.... I've been found-out! We now have five ducklings. BUT! As soon as you SEE them, YOU WILL KNOW WHY!!
But first, let me say that it's all Alan's fault. He had to stop at the farm supply store on Thursday and pick up some cat food and that's when he saw the lot of them. While he was running other errands around town he called me and told me about them, "they are so cute, and they even have chocolate brown ones" he says quite innocently.
That evening when Alan got home, back to the store we went. I had to see their fluffy cuteness for myself. When Alan was at the store, they had 5 or 6 chocolate brown ducklings (actually, I think they're Khaki Campbell ducklings). When we got to the store that evening they only had 1 brown one left. AND they had a few white crested ducklings, too! The last brown one and one of the crested ducklings followed us home, and am I ever so glad they did!!
They were TINY when we brought them home. The khaki one only weighed 1.9oz, and the crested one weighed 2.2oz. Today they weigh a bit more... the khaki one is 3.1oz now, and the crested one is 4.2oz. Growing like weeds! The other three are MONSTERS in size compared to these two, so we're keeping them in their own brooder until they get to be closer in size to the others.
This is the white crested baby. The extra fluff on the top of it's head will continue to grow into a nice, plume of feathers. You can see what adult white crested ducks look like, here. This little baby is as sweet as can be! She (we hope) LOVES Alan!
Here she is nibbling on Alan's thumb.
The khaki is the smallest little thing. And also quite sweet. They are so happy and content, and just love being held.
We had them on my desk so I could take photos using the extra light from my desk lamps. Alan put his hands up to the edge of the table to catch them if they got too close to the edge. She decided it looked like the perfect place to rest, so she climbed into his hands and laid down! See the little poof on her head? So cute!
I love how dark her bill and feet are. Like really rich, dark chocolate!
The warmth from Alan's hands was just too enjoyable for the little crested gal. The perfect place for a nap.
Yes, the perfect spot, indeed!
And plenty of room for two!
such beautiful ducks and photos of them!!!
Posted by: Donelda | April 18, 2010 at 08:55 AM
Just precious!
Posted by: Beth M | April 13, 2010 at 07:45 AM
Oh, melt my heart! Are they the sweetest things!
Posted by: Danielle | April 08, 2010 at 08:40 PM
These are the cutest photos ever! Loving the ones in your husband's hands, how could anyone resist..that. I enjoy seeing your photo of all your animals...such a comfort. Also love your work, and your blog..keep up the great ideas..love them...
Posted by: Cynthia | April 08, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Alan finally got to the feed store alone and look what happened! Surprised he didn't come home with his pockets full of "chocolate" himself....hee! Those are so cute, but I am really loving that little brown one...he should be clucking on the next Cadbury commercial instead of the bunny!
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | April 07, 2010 at 09:39 AM
I love how Alan's rough, tough, sunburned farmer hands are so very gentle with the sweet babies! Its adorable!
Posted by: Lisa Bakovic | April 07, 2010 at 07:29 AM
OMGosh, they are just the cutest!!! I love how cute they look all cuddled up in Alan's hands - adorable! tfs
Posted by: Cindy H. | April 06, 2010 at 09:17 AM
Just when I think you can't possibly post anything cuter than you've posted before, you prove me wrong! I'll bet Alan was hating the little fluff balls napping in his hands. :)
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | April 05, 2010 at 09:19 PM
You two are such big push over's!!!!!! Or should i say suckers *smile* I would be the same way.......they are just too cute!!!!
Posted by: Carla | April 05, 2010 at 07:28 PM
OMG! These photos are amazing, Anna!!! :0)
Posted by: Tracy | April 05, 2010 at 07:24 AM
OMGosh, I'm so envious of Alan! I want to hold them!!! They are TOO adorable, and I'm so glad you got more! Hurray for Alan seeing them! :D That is wonderful, they have the best home on earth now!!! I wonder if they know how lucky they are??? :D The one with the poofy "do" is just the funniest! haha And I love the chocolate one...beautiful! I can't wait to see them growing!!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | April 04, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Cute! Cute! Cute!!! What a farm you are getting!! I love the photos! Tell Alan he should be a hand model! **giggle**
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Manetta Deggelman | April 04, 2010 at 08:50 PM
Please please call the tuffted one POOF!! PLEASEEEEEEEEEE....LOL
Posted by: Sue | April 04, 2010 at 08:38 PM
So Sweet!
Posted by: Debbie | April 04, 2010 at 07:32 PM
Okay - now I want some baby ducks for myself. I don't dare show your duckie pictures to My Alan. No siree! Your photography is sensational, as are your newest additions to the farm. Congratulations!
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | April 04, 2010 at 07:06 PM
Cutest little duckies ever!! Thanks so much for sharing your secret, I'm so glad you were busted. :)
Posted by: Katie Rasmussen | April 04, 2010 at 06:24 PM
ohhh, they're just the cutest little things..I really do love the chocolate brown ducky..not sure i've ever seen one..I know I haven't..
How sweet of Alan to tell you about them and then take you back to get more babies...awww...Happy Easter..!
Posted by: Kellie | April 04, 2010 at 03:52 PM
It seems to continue, all my grandchildren have either wings or 4 legs. I guess that means no worries about a college fund, just an ever increasing pool problem. Love, Dad PS What! no fish.
Posted by: DK Wight | April 04, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Now that's a sight! Alan holding the babies - I'm just melting! They are darling! I'd never seen a crested duck - but they are really pretty! The chocolate one is very handsome - I agree with Alan - very very cute!
Thanks Anna!
Posted by: Sharli | April 04, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Why? Why do you do this to us? torture us with all this cuteness! It is almost too much, I can hardly stand it. I need a farm. Quick...LOLOL
Posted by: karrie baker | April 04, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Oh my word! That is about the most precious thing I've ever seen. What adorable ducklings. I too "noticed" you had 5 ducks on your count list and chalked the number up to succumbing to their absolute cuteness! :)
Wonderful photos and Happy Easter to you and yours!!
Posted by: Jennifer Woodward | April 04, 2010 at 02:07 PM
Oh my gosh. I'm smitten and want my own. Sadly, I think the cats I already have may not be as smitten. Too, too cute!
Posted by: Jacque | April 04, 2010 at 02:02 PM
Oh my goodness, what gorgeous photos!!!
Samm
x
Posted by: Samm Turner | April 04, 2010 at 01:52 PM
Thanks for sharing. They are just so stinkin' cute.
Posted by: Sue | April 04, 2010 at 01:51 PM
SWEET, Alan will be a good Ducky Daddy!
You kids are so funny with your brood :)
Looks like lots of Easter fun there. Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | April 04, 2010 at 01:26 PM
How could you resist?!?
Posted by: ~liz | April 04, 2010 at 01:16 PM
So cute and fluffy .... just adorable
Posted by: Harriet Hensley | April 04, 2010 at 12:46 PM
absolutely lovely are those ducklings! And i love the pictures you took of them.
Posted by: Danielle vE | April 04, 2010 at 12:43 PM
O-M-GOODNESS!!!! Tell Alan he is very mean...he should have bought the lot..now that little crested one will get teased by the others about her crest and being different(redhead here..memories ofchildhood teasing ..LOL)...and the little brown one..more teasing and bullying? well..you just need more thats all....
but then I melted with the picture of the two duckies in his hands..OMG...Easter overload...
Posted by: Sue | April 04, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Oh my goodness!!! They are adorable. How do you think they'd like apartment living? I want some now! :)
Posted by: michelle | April 04, 2010 at 11:57 AM
How adorable!!
Posted by: Dianna Martin | April 04, 2010 at 11:51 AM