3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[jayjay]

Well, daffers and bill have been enjoying a very nice (altho a bit windy) summer up here. OH and I are on holiday so lots of treats and attention for the quacks . 4 days ago we let them out as usual and off they wandered down the burn. About an hour later Bill arrived back for some scran alone. She then quacked her head off for about an hour - she doesn't like being on her own. It was a bit of a surprise because usually you would never see one without the other. This routine has happened every day since. Bill is back alone and quite distressed. She quacks loudly for ages before heading off on the search. Later on Daff appears back and Bill is happy. Where is Daff going, why is she on her own? It's a mystery. Any logical ideas before I get my Sherlock hat out and follow her

JJ

[tom123]

Are you still getting eggs from Daff? Sounds like shes going off to lay an egg. Some of my Runners do this and the boys goes mad Don't even get me started about the Call Ducks

[jayjay]

No eggs for the last week. Feathers all over the place so just thought that the lack of eggs was due to moulting. We don't have a drake. Any thoughts on how long this could go on for? Why she comes back in the afternoon (although she is still not back on the scene today ) Bill has been upset and noisy for ages now (thinking we might be in line for an ASBO !) - she spent the last hour in the conservatory with us having a sleep - thinking she is lonely!

[Chucky1]

Hi JJ

 

I think Tom's right on the money. Ours keep going through these phases. No idea how long it lasts - it seems when one goes back to normal another takes over - sometimes I think they are all just having a good laugh at our expense

 

Looks like you'll have to follow her - take a camera and put up some pix

[jayjay]

Cheers Chucky

Will have to follow in pursuit tomorrow - driving me bonkers, honestly - the orange sauce is on hold, but only just! You have to laugh when people think that keeping ducks is simple and worry free!! This week has been a nightmare with the little bizzams. Daffers keeps disappearing, Bill keeps quacking loudly, they both keep running for the road when there is any heavy rain (what's that about?) and the last 2 nights they have been bothered by something behind their house and have been quacking at 1 am . Think I might have to move house!

I suppose things can only get better!

[jayjay]

Missed out on my pursuit this morning and daffers has not come home tonight Been out searching all evening and am now very worried. Bill has been distraught. I feel so sorry for her I have been out in the garden in the pouring rain trying to keep her company. My 'ex henkeeper' neighbours say I have to let her (daffers) realise she is missing out. Hopefully she will appear in the morning. Not sure what to do when and if I find her secret nest. Should I take the eggs away?

[Chucky1]

Oh dear JJ

 

- if its any consollation one of ours disappeared the other day - reappeared the next morning. They are pretty canny at looking after themselves.

 

Should you take the eggs - yes I would it might break the cycle.

 

I hope it all turns good in the morning

[batcatz]

I read somewhere that a duck disappeared for a few days and came back with lots of little chicks following her.

[tom123]

Good point actually, one of my Calls did that, came back every night and for about 20 mins everyday for a week and then I only saw her once a day. 4 weeks later and 10 little ducklings were following her around

[jayjay]

Daff was gone for the night but came back in the morning - I assigned her to WIR rest for a day as we were away and granny was duck sitting! I feel really bad about following daffers and taking her eggs. I am pretty sure there has not been a drake about so no chickies (thankfully). Have found her nest (right under the next door neighbours bedroom window!!) so will have to go and shoo her off and take the eggs - woe Will inform of any developments!

[Chucky1]

That's great news JJ - never a dull moment

[jayjay]

Dull would sometimes be nice! 8 eggs in a lovely nest under a bush. Felt bad removing them but after an initial 10 minute quack of disgust daffers is fine and bill is very happy to have her companion back - normality resumes. First time for everything so you live and learn. At least I will be better prepared for this happening again next year!

[Chucky1]

That'll make a cracking omlette