Can a Domestic Duck Survive in the Wild? Here’s How Long It Might Last
I remember the first time I saw a domestic duck waddling near a pond at the edge of town. It looked out of place—like someone dressed it up for a fancy dinner and forgot to…
Juan D. Rivera started learning everything he could about plants, farming, livestock, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, he’s earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation farming and renewable technology. He has worked in planning crops for companies and workshops, as an educational consultant and writer.
How to Pick the Perfect Light for Seed Germination: A Beginner’s Guide
I’ll admit it—my first attempt at starting seeds indoors was a disaster. I thought any old lamp would do. Spoiler: It did not. My seedlings stretched like overcaffeinated yoga instructors, flopped over, and called it…
Using Duck Eggshells to Enrich Your Soil: Composting Gold or Garden Folly?
The first time I cracked open a duck egg, I knew I was dealing with something different. The shell felt like ceramic—sturdy, thick, a little beast compared to a chicken egg. After my breakfast, I…
5 Companion Plants to Grow Near Duck Runs for Cleaner Eggs
If you’re like me and keep ducks for their charming personalities and delicious eggs, you know that a dirty duck egg can be a real pain in the neck. Ducks are adorable mud lovers —…
Mixing the Flock: Which Duck Breeds Get Along Best?
When I first dipped my toes into the world of duck keeping, I had a dream: a cheerful backyard full of waddling, quacking harmony. I envisioned Pekins, Runners, and Khaki Campbells all lounging together under…
Egg Laying Seasons: Why Your Ducks Stop Laying in Winter (and How to Help)
If you’ve ever walked into your duck pen on a frosty morning expecting to gather a clutch of warm, speckled eggs—only to come up empty-handed—you’re not alone. I remember the first winter with my flock…
How to Tell Which Duck Is Laying Eggs in a Mixed Flock
Cracking the Case of the Mystery Layer When I first started raising ducks, I thought egg collecting would be easy-peasy. I pictured myself strolling into the coop, finding a neat little pile of eggs, and…
Why Aren’t Duck Eggs Commonly Found in Stores? The Truth Behind the Shortage
The other day, I found myself lingering a little longer than usual in the egg aisle at my neighborhood grocery store. Rows upon rows of chicken eggs stretched before me—brown, white, organic, pasture-raised—you name it….
Should Your Chive Seeds Get a Soak Before Planting?
As an avid gardener, I’ve had my fair share of learning curves. Chives, those hardy little herbs that grace my kitchen windowsill and backyard garden, hold a special place in my heart. They add a…