Trying to comment I live in Alaska. Have had to take on flock that was being fed by woman who passed away this summer. First about 50 ducks now down to small group. Winter right now so guessing food is scarce. They eat the sunflower seeds that fell from bird feeder until I read about woman passing. Hoping they all survive but not trying to encourage to stay. Wildlife people say don't feed them but have over 2 feet of snow and other birds showing up. Hard not buy their food. Love to see them but they are spooked to see me at the window after this summer them stalking, staring at my house. School bus glad they don't stay all as they were stopping traffic this summer. Hoping for their survival. Loved all posts here. You guys are awesome!

Hi Duckcrazy, We brooded our ducklings, chicks and goslings last spring in modified plastic storage containers (big ones) under a brooder lamp. We lined the bottom with newspaper to soak up the gross stuff. To prevent them from laying and pecking at the newspaper, we created 'grates' out of 1/2" squ coated cage wire (taped around the edges to cover jaggeness) which were cut to fit the length of the bottom. For a final layer, we placed soft screen material cut also to go the length of the bottom - this to give them good footing and prevent sprattle leg. Our brooder was planned with materials that could be lifted out of, sprayed down & sanitized easilly. We didn't have the luxury of using wood shavings. This worked well for us as a whole, but once those ducklings discovered their inner passion for water, we found ourselves cleaning the flooring layers & replacing soggy newspaper daily, and twice daily toward the end. They were continuously out of water too since they would 'blow bubbles' and play in their water until it was gone. We had to check the water supply numerous times a day. It was exhausting. Our runners were much happier the day we moved them to their spacious pen outside, which they share with our two hens. (I can say "hens" now. They're a year old!). I'm glad the hens roost though. In only a week, the bottom of the chicken coop is goop! To ducks, mud is simply succulent! and they see no need to dry off or wipe their feet before 'hitting the straw' for the night. Our coop is designed so that I can muck it out and bleach it down once a week. We provide fresh straw, weekly too. We're in the Pac. NW so while we don't deal with cold temperatures and snow very ofteh, we DO have to battle moisture problems, particularly to protect the health of our chickens. I gave up on nest boxes for the ducks. The hens keep theirs pristine! I never cringe when collecting chicken eggs. The duck eggs were always more filthy. Their nest boxes became litter boxes and those clumsy feet didn't help. I found it better to just allow them to lay in the fresh straw, and thankfully they've selected a laying corner away from the corner they use to dirty in. They're great layers though. Every bit as dependable as our hens. They eat lots of slugs -no shortage of those in these parts, and a kiddy pool was about the best $6 I've ever spent. We give them a fresh pool of water daily, they drink and bathe in the same water, so we provide raised watering containers for the hens (fortified with molasses/vinegar). Since we have so much rain, I've been experimenting with the deep litter method on the ground outside of the coop - in the pen area (see Roberta's? post, "Big fan of.." for details). I saved all the fall leaves in piles and add a layer now and then over the muddy ground. I also spread layers of the cleaner straw from the coop after I clean it out. I can see it all composting slowly. THere's just so much moisture here that I worry about all the bacteria and bird doo mingling with mud. As I said, ducks love mud and spend a lot of time snuffing around in it. I therefore keep the muddy ground heaped with straw and leaf matter. The chickens churn it up pretty good. I think it's working. Our ducks are total characters though. Like cartoons! They're RJ's favorite on our lil hobby farm. They're very patterened animals though. Once you've established a routine, don't go changing! Hope our experience was helpful. Of all the birds we keep, they are the most challenging with regards to cleanliness, but the best behaved (easiest to work with) I think. Best of luck! LF

Hi,my friend gave me a duck down comforter with the duvet cover. I turned to the i-net to clean it because it was very smelly after I washed it. There was very good advice and I love it and it has no odor at all. I added cold water and added wool it and begun to agitate the water. Next, I carefully fed the comforter into the washer, so it never went off balance. Then I put the comforter in two additional rinses. When I removed the comforter, you must straighten by pulling ends before you place it in the dryer, I added two dry towels to help remove any excess water. I also placed three clean tennis balls inside the dryer which helps fluff the down. Then I lay open the dry comforter on my bed. Straighten edges and if feathers are stuck to the bottom. You need to hold one section at a time and shake the down as to fluff each secton. You will be happy that you took the time to look this up on the i-net. Enjoy! You will be happy and don'the need to return it.

Well, I guess I don't get to guess anyone's age since it has all been revealed. Allison - WOW! I so want the name of your surgeon since Im in TN, so could easily make a trip to AL. You look amazing and you've got a peaches n cream skin (hatin ya!!) Mona - you look so awesome & what a cutie you are!! I, too, want your make-up secrets and too funny @ the story you told about the older woman. Eclectic - you are beautiful and I wouldn't have guessed 40. Ive noticed women of color age beautifully & you will too. Cooperbailey - You are a doll & it's weird but from your post you look like I would expect you too. Very approachable. Sueb - you have those dark hershey bar eyes that are gorgeous! Judiegal - you have that beautiful dark Italian coloring and hair. You look awesome & all those are your girls??!! OMG - 1 child just about did me in!! Stinky - 48....no way, girl!! Pesky - you have nary a wrinkle & your DH doesn't even look younger than you!! So your having eyelid surgery, too. You'll be passing for a sibling to your children! Kitchenkelly - you are such a cutie!! Shee - Show your pretty face, girl!! I remember seeing a pic of your b4 & your gawgeous! you youngin :) Mitch - You look awesome....would you please come to TN and teach me how to dress & accessorize. I bet you have some awesome clothes. And beautiful teeth. Susanwrites - I would have never guessed your age. What beautiful hair you have.....long blonde and flowing Kellyeng - welll, aren't you a cutie. Beautiful eyes Golddust - I don't think you or your daughter look your age. You both are beautiful. I really want to comment about everyone b/c I feel as women we need to hear about the beautiful we do have. Women can be so catty that they don't often compliment other women. know I too often pick myself to misery with comparing myself to others that are younger, skinnier, more stylish.....the list goes on. Ok....I'll be back b/c I have comments about the rest....gotta leave to pick son up from school. Smiles:) Smiles:)