Five months ago, we brought home our four ducklings. Five months means they are no longer ducklings. They are now ducks.

Our two Cayugas have turned a beautiful glossy green. The White Cresteds are buttery white with impressive pom-poms on their heads. Their voices have changed into deep (sometimes loud) quacks. And wow do they waddle. Sometimes I think they’re going to tip over as they wobble across the lawn.

Our ducks are a bit spazzy. Their default setting with people, including us, is freak out. I can usually manage to not spook them too much. I am aware of their comfort zone and do my best to stay out of their personal space. The ducks I had as a child were always very social and calm, so this is unusual for me and a bit disappointing.

I tried to woo them with worms. They were afraid of the worms. I haven’t put in a concerted effort, but I think we could make them a bit more comfortable and social with time.

They do enjoy being around us when we’re eating breakfast or lunch on the patio, though the chickens always beat them to the crumbs Ellie throws. Occasionally the ducks will get frustrated and chase the chickens. We cheer them on when they’re assertive and brave.

Chasing a squirrel. Go waddles!

Their confidence (and tolerance) has grown as they free range with the chickens. They will now wander a bit farther from the barn and have made their way around the house. Working up their courage to cross the drain pipes on the downspouts took a few tries.

They always, always, always travel as a flock. Swimming in the pool, everyone goes. Rooting in the grass, everyone goes. Nibbling on the planter on the patio, everyone goes.

Watching them play in their pool is a lot of fun. They will splash and dive, jump out of the pool, run around, jump back in and do it all again. I’m still on the hunt for a bathtub, as they’re definitely ready for something deeper. (They’re not brave enough to go down to the pond, which is fine with me.)

A big question since we got them has been who is a boy (drake) and who is a girl (duck or hen). Now that they’re full grown, we have an answer. Look for the tail curl (the sign of a drake). Starlight, check. Midnight, check. Wonder, not quite as curly, but still check. Poufy, straight.

So we have three drakes and just one duck. Not the best ratio.

So far the males don’t seem to hassle Poufy too much. There has been some breeding behaviour in the pool (from both her and them). If we need to separate them in springtime we can do that.

Part of my motivation in getting ducks was to have eggs. Especially Cayuga eggs. They lay dark grey eggs, and I love my coloured eggs. But both our Cayugas are drakes, so no grey eggs for me.

Part of Ellie’s motivation in getting ducks is to have ducklings, so she has high hopes for Poufy’s maternal instincts.

Male, female. Calm, spazzy. Social, fearful. None of it matters much to us. We have a lot of fun watching our waddles and are glad they’re part of our family.