The past two weeks, Mr. Bee and I have tackled these questions with the same strategies we've used to make all of our other important life decisions. We first scoured for book reviews, then scoured those books, interrogated knowledgeable friends, heard the warnings from family, and dug deep down in our beings for some sense of guidance and, well...made a decision.
We're going to raise ducklings.
That's right! We're planning for day-old ducklings delivered March 21st. We decided on two different breeds with two different purposes. First, we are getting two female Pekins. These are the beautiful white ducks that you will most likely be served if you order duck at a restaurant. They are quick growing, large-breasted birds that are very personable. These two are going to be my pets.
The second kind on order are called Kahki Campbells. They are smaller birds that are known for their laying abilities. These will be our non-pets. Most research I have read estimates these birds lay between 250 and 300 eggs per year. We've ordered 11 of these as a "straight run," meaning they'll be a mix of male and female, whatever nature hatches.
As you know, boys don't lay eggs. Plus, there is this little rule in duck raising which says you should have very few males per flock of females. And what, er, what I am trying to say is that, all those boys can't stay for long. In fact, all (except maybe one) won't have any business sticking around our flock. So we will be re-homing them once they are about seven weeks old--to the freezer.
Like you, I'll just have to watch and see over the coming months to see how this (ad)venture plays out.
P.S. The video is from The Herbfarm. It's considered one of the best restaurants on the western half of the United States. Check it out. And go if you can. Mr. Bee and I will make it there, someday!
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