Biggest news is that we are starting to question Ginger's sexuality. I've been lurking around on BYC (Backyard Chickens, a forum for poultry-lovers for those of you not in the know), and some of the more experienced Easter Egger parents have mentioned that Ginger's coloring is very roo-like. Apparently the neat mottled color she has is mostly seen in young roosters, not young hens. Multiple picture postings back and forth and the jury is still out. We may have to wait until she starts to crow or until she squats (a sign she is getting ready to lay)/actually lays an egg.
On that note, the updated pics for this week:
Basil. She definitely has a single comb; I had it confirmed.
Ginger. See the reddish-brown on the wings and back? This is what is causing the gender confusion.
Curry. Barely got her to sit still for the picture.
Paprika. You can't really tell the difference between her and Curry in this picture, but the top of her head is much darker.
Daffy. Notice the green sheen on the wings? The feathers on the top of his/her head are coming in that way as well.
And Aflac, who was much more interested in peas and carrots than getting a good shot. Weight gain has slowed a bit - he's about 5.5 pounds this week.
Now Aflac and Daffy might look cute, but if anyone is reading this blog let me tell you (or maybe retell you): DUCKLINGS ARE MESSY! Cleaning the coop takes about 30 minutes each morning. Currently we have the original coop I posted about, plus a dog crate attached at one of the doorways. I am still lining the house portion with newspaper, which needs changing about every other day. The bottom half of the coop gets scooped/raked daily, with any soggy or soiled shaving removed and added to the compost barrel. In the dog crate we have the food and water, so the bottom plastic tray has to get hosed down daily and the water pitcher cleaned daily. Tonight we are trying something new - since the ducklings make such a huge mess with the water, we moved it on top of a screen above a shallow Rubbermaid tote. The idea that any water that gets splashed out will run down into the tote instead of flooding the dog crate and the coop. So far so good - if it seems like it is working I will add pictures of the setup next week.
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