After our success with raising ducks last year, we have decided to raise a batch of meat ducks this year. We bought twenty Grimaud Pekins from Metzer farm. They are a fast-growing variety of pekin ducks from a French breeder (Grimaud) that are supposed to have a more efficient feed conversion ratio, and reach 8 Lbs in 8 weeks.
We had spent part of the morning getting the brooder ready.
This is our third year using it, and I must say, the only complaint I have with the design is that the cover is a bit unwieldy for moving. This year we have it set up in the shop.
This year Winnie is big enough to “dip” the ducks.
That is, when the ducklings are fist introduced to their new home, they have to have their bills dipped into the water and then into the feed so they know where these resources are.
It is not necessary to dip every last one of them, because they are social creatures. If one doesn’t get dipped, but later it sees the other ones eating and drinking, it will dart over to join them.
And let me tell you, these little guys dart. They can zip around at a surprising speed for being so tiny.
Ellie has been our beak dipper for many years now, and is therefore quite an authority on it.
But all the kids and the cousins got to take a turn at this.
Winnie was just entranced by them, and every few minutes would just squeal at the top of her lungs “Them are baby ducks!”
Lest you get too attached to the cuteness, bear in mind they will be going in the freezer in about 8 weeks and 6 of them are already sold. So if you want some pastured meat duck, let us know, we have 6 left we can sell if you are interested.
Of note, this was the fastest shipping time I have ever seen for baby birds, and this was far and away the healthiest batch of birds I have ever received, so good work, Metzer Farms.
Little Farm in the Big City 