Hi Chris, I'll add more (meaning to document some time-line stuff) over the next week.
This was taken yesterday. Dad's in the middle ... a layer front left (2 other layers are out of shot) ... I update later with estimated ages of the adults.
The mallard mule is far right (came as purchased), this is just a bland one.
Goose up front.
6 x 3 month old & 8 x 6 month old ... all in shot. Hatched Early March & Mid June.
Taken today, all 10 x 4 day old ducklings in shot (4 failed eggs) 14 eggs laid early winter (more eggs when it gets warmer and with good food supply). Ducklings fully left the nest on day 2. So far once mum gets them out, she does not let them return (even with clean or replaced nest in same location). I read that in their original S. America habitat, that the ducklings leave a tree hollow and it's a one way trip. Some blogs and youtube vids, show mum and ducklings huddling under, usually down low or on the ground. Mine take the ducklings out on the level yard, against structure for the night (all manage to fit under). Over the next few weeks the faster growers sit half-under, and then later huddle beside the mother.
Chook Box on left works well, it was occupied when she started laying her batch.
Up the back is a stunning Muscovy Cross (suspected to have bred with a Pacific Black Duck)
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