Donegan's Weekly Size Comparison Photo: Two Weeks Old

Click HERE for more weekly size comparison photos.

First Time's a Charm

Today Donegan wore a diaper harness for the first time.  He did AMAZING!!!  He didn't mind it at all.  He was perfectly happy.  This footage was taken immediately after I put it on him.  He acted like it was the norm.
Not long after that, he settled into his carrier for a nap.  He's such a good, mellow boy. 
Get these duckling diapers HERE.  I recommend, instead of simply fastening a safety pin as the directions show, that you first cross the two pieces (basically the first step to tieing your shoe laces) and then inserting the pin in.  Works WAY better this way.)

Taking a Breather

Thinking about the week I had and laughing about it now. It was a crazy one. One of those where every little thing goes wrong... from the cat collapsing my paint shelves to getting three drinks spilled on me by little people within two days (lol). Today Donegan and I are going to sit our booties down and we ain't movin for nuthin! :D 

13 days old

Looks like a custom fit.

Movin' On Up

10 days old.  I upgraded his water dish last night from a chick waterer to a little dish with higher sides so Donegan can dunk his nose better.  I also started lessening the amount of water I put in his crumbles.  He will be eating dry crumbles by Monday.  As of yesterday I'm mixing his feed with unprocessed oatmeal to reduce the protien level in his feed.  This will help slow the high growth rate domestic ducks are bred for and reduce the chances of him developing Angel Wing.  (Ideally you should be looking for an 19% protein feed, no more.  But I am no vet, so do your research :)
He got a bath upgrade, too!
(more detailed information on the first days of raising can be found in my blog's early posts... back when I had cheyenne)

( ')>

He Loves It!

Donegan LOVES his new carrier!   (see previous post for ordering info).

He settled right in after his bath to preen.  You can tell he feels secure in it.  Definitely happy with my choice to buy.

New Duck Carrier!

I'm soooo excited about my new "Duck" carrier! Okay, so it's meant for dogs... but I bet Donegan will be more appreciative than a pom. ;)

When I had Cheyenne, she wanted to be with me... always. She was hard to carry, though, in my arms. This carrier is perfect. It has a dip in the side for Donegan's head to poke out. It's lined really well... nice and squishy... with a removable and washable insert that is water-resistant. It looks so much better than it did in the picture online. It has an old world map pattern on it. I LOVE it! And so will Donegan.
Click HERE to get your own. (ORDER A MEDIUM!)

Donegan Update: One Week Old

So far Donegan is proving to be one amazing little duck. I'm in awe at his friendly, confident nature. He is such a JOY to have in my life. I really cannot say enough. Welsh Harlequins are the way to go, at least from Metzer Farm's flock.
Today he met my 5 year old son for the first time. I expected Donegan to be shy, but soon as my son sat down, Donegan made a bee-line for my son's lap and immediately laid down for cuddle time. Not long after that they were playing together. Unbelievable. Cheyenne, as amazing as she was, was never this confident... and she also didn't "love" my hands as Donegan does. He loves to be picked up. I love him so much.

He's growing fast, as ducks do. Tonight I will move the heat lamp a bit farther from the cage.... little by little every night so that by the end of the week he is acclimated to the temperature in our home (which is warmer than usual to keep him comfy in the dead of winter).
(click pics to enlarge)

Donegan's Weekly Growth Comparison: Week One

More weekly comparison photos can be found HERE.

Donegan's First Bath During His First Outing (6 days old)

Special Delivery

This painting of Cheyenne was at my door step last night. I absolutely love it. It means the world to me. It makes missing her hurt less. It's framed and mounted on my wall now. Thank you so much, Carmen. You are a good friend to me!

Think I'll Frame This One...

Click photo to enlarge

Donegan... 3 days old

Donegan.... 3 Days Old

Click Picture to Enlarge

Donegan's Weekly Growth Comparison Photo: One Day Old

Come back every week for the next photo!
More Growth Comparison Photos can be found HERE.

Duck Gifs

This is what Donegan will look like when he grows up :)

Donegan on Hatch Day (January 16th, 2012) He's so CUTE!

Introducing: Donegan!

Had to go with an Irish name, of course!
I had the intention of getting a female Welsh Harlequin duck, but when we pulled up at Metzer Farms, a baby boy was in the process of hatching just then and there weren't any females.  My options were either to go home empty handed after 6 hours of driving, wait for a female for two weeks to be delivered knowing it would have imprinted on ducks by then, or bring home the boy.  Knowing males can be a bit more of a challenge, I still opted for the boy (which I originally wanted... they're gorgeous! Similar to a mallard) and off we went.  Donegal spent the whole ride home in my pocket as happy as could be.  It's early to really tell... but I chose a Welsh Harlequin based off of their said calm nature.  So far that seems to hold true in comparison to other ducklings I've known.  He is so laid back and happy.  Not stressed in the least for any reason!  I'm sooooooooo happy I was able to get him fresh from the egg.  So fresh they had to clean him before handing him over.  lol.   I wasn't so fortunate with Cheyenne and even she turned out amazing.
Sorry to cut this short, but I really want to throw on the DVR, throw him in my pocket, and cuddle for the rest of the night.  More pics to come!

P.S.   I payed off Cheyenne's vet bill yesterday.  I miss her dearly.  But It comforts me knowing this this truly is the right time for a new baby.  It's good to be MamaDuck again.