Issue 26: February 2007

In This Issue:

Majestic Kittens Bridget and Timmerlane

Frostbite

Metal Detector Needed

Cute Mini Duck Clock

Waterfowl Art Project: Drawing Ducks

All About Aussie Spotted Ducks

Get to Know Your Predators: The Opossum

Recommended Reading: El Pequeno Ganso Verde (The Little Green Goose)

Reader Poll #26

Results of Reader Poll #25

All About Australian (Aussie) Spotted Ducks

In spite of their name, these birds are an American creation, developed in the 1920's and first exhibited in 1928. Mallards, Pintails and Calls are said to have been the foundation stock, with possibly a trace of a  spotted species of Australian wild duck.

The Australian Spotted is a bantam breed whose weight averages 2.0 to 2.2 pounds. The Australian Spotted duck’s coloration is complex. Depending on the variety, the drake’s head is green (Greenhead), blue (Bluehead), or silver (Silverhead). A white band encircles the neck. The sides of the body and breast are deep burgundy and the center of the breast extending under the body is white. The middle of the shoulders and back are dark gray, wings are a dark grayish-brown, and the tail is light gray.

Along with their diminutive size and delightful plumage, Australian Spotteds have proven to be personable and calm. They are exceptionally hardy and excellent foragers that are a great help in reducing slugs, snails, sow bugs, Japanese beetles, other insect pests in gardens and yards and will eliminate mosquito larvae from ponds and pools. They are active fliers, but will generally stay close to home. Australian Spotted ducks are the best layers of the bantams and will produce 50-125 cream, blue, or green shelled eggs yearly.

Get to Know Your Predators: The Opossum

The average weight of an Opossum is 6-12 pounds for a male and 4-7 pounds for a female. Opossums are not commonly seen because they are mainly nocturnal. Spotting them out during the day could possibly be an indication that they are sick or injured. Do not approach an opossum at any time, especially one spotted during the day.

Opossums will eat eggs, ducklings, and even an adult duck. Often they will eat their catch near to where they killed it. They have been known to tear through chicken wire to gain access to poultry.

A fence that cannot be bitten through and of a tight weave which the opossum cannot fit through is needed along with digging predator barriers. Opossums can climb, so a protective ceiling is also needed. Ducks are best locked up at night in a shed, barn or another tight structure to keep this predator at bay. Also helpful are motion sensor lights or having a good guard dog.

Reader Poll #26

Question: What behavioral problem(s) are you currently experiencing with your waterfowl?
(Check as many as you like)

Results of Reader Poll #25

What would you like to accomplish in 2007?
 

 

Contact Us

Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary
17 Barker Road
Lebanon, CT 06249
director@majesticwaterfowl.org

Our Newsletter

The Majestic Monthly is published 12 times per year. Back issues can be obtained online from our Newsletter Archives.

This summer Majestic embarked upon a two kitten rescue. The Link family adopted two kittens from our local humane society and brought them out to our duck barn. We placed Bridget and Timmerlane in their own kennel in clear view of our feathered friends. This gave the girls time to get used to the sight of ducks, and it gave the ducks time to adjust to their newest flock members.

Although the kittens receive plenty of human interaction; the bulk of their days are spent in the company of the flock. They are bonded with the ducks and think of them as part of their family group and the ducks have similarly become very accustomed to the presence of their new pen mates.

It didn’t take long for the ducks to realize they have the upper hand in this new situation (the geese never doubted it). We laughed when we saw Riddles, our adoptable little Indian Runner, chase after Timmerlane after her curiosity brought her in a bit too close for his comfort. Balance between ducks and kittens was obtained within a few weeks and we are currently thrilled to see Bridget looping her tail around Winston as she brushes against him.

As the kittens grew, we installed three pet doors and multiple catwalks to give them access to all areas of the barn and outdoor enclosures.

The girls have been introduced to our sanctuary to do very important work. They will help defend the flock against the occasional food-thieving rodent or squirrel that happens through the pens or barn looking for a free meal. The growing cats are also an excellent deterrent against weasels. In addition to their hunting tasks, the girls spend plenty of their days chasing one another throughout the pens, lounging around on the roofs of duck houses and nestling in the hay for naps.

Frostbite

Frostbite is a real hazard for domestic ducks and geese during freezing cold temperatures. Feet and bills are vulnerable to extreme cold and real damage can be done if they are not properly protected.

Although ducks and geese control the blood circulation to their legs and feet in order to avoid the loss of too much heat, there is only so much their bodies can do when the elements grow too harsh. The appearance of black areas on their feet is a clear indicator that your bird is most likely suffering from frostbite.

Waterfowl with frostbite need to be brought to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible. Treatment often involves the cutting away of damaged tissues and sometimes even a partial amputation.

Prevention is the key when it comes to the cold elements. Trust your instincts—if you think it’s too cold out for them and you see ice forming on their feathers, or ice encroaching in on your pond, this can be a clear sign that your waterfowl need to spend more time in the comfort of their barn or shed. Also, if you see flock members spending too much time sitting on top of their feet and not moving, it is advisable to bring them into a cozy barn or shed where they can meander around a bit. Use your good judgment and control the time they spend outside. For their protection, it is best to keep your feathered friends inside during freezing rain, ice storms and single digit (or below) temperatures.

Thank you to Michelle for the photograph of the rescued Muscovy duck.

Do you or someone you know have a metal detector lying around unused? Consider donating it to Majestic to help us routinely examine our grounds for foreign metal objects. Your donations are tax deductible! Please contact us at director@majesticwaterfowl.org if you can be of assistance.

Pekin Duck Mini Clocks - Too Cute!

We ordered a handful of these Pekin mini clocks as holiday gifts for a few of our duck-loving friends. This fantastic Alarm Clock is in the shape of a super cute, happy duck, and it is bound to make a great gift! It is a solid piece of high quality metal (no plastic) with a white and orange enamel finish. The compact clock and alarm settings are recessed into the back of the duck.

You can order this and other delightful clocks at MiniClocks.com. Their customer service is exceptional. When placing your order tell them Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary referred you.

Click here for even more waterfowl drawing projects.

Recommended Reading*