When I first dipped my boots into backyard farming, I assumed ducks were just messier chickens with webbed feet. Boy, was I in for a surprise. Sure, both birds wear feathers and squawk for treats,…
I remember the first time my ducks stopped laying eggs. One day I was out in the yard, gathering yolky treasures like it was a backyard Easter hunt—those rich, golden duck eggs tucked in straw…
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…
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…
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 —…
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…
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…
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…
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….