As the ducklings grow bigger, I keep expanding their world. Construction of their house has been slow. We put down some concrete for the base and prepped the old swing set we are converting into their pen. Hopefully tomorrow they will have a house finally. Today, it was really hot out and the poor ducklings were panting out in their makeshift pallet pen. I decided to move some pallets around so I could move the kiddie pool that we used as their brooder into the pen so they could go for a swim.

Sammy

Sammy is a big duck. She's usually first to get treats and has such a big body she can block the others from getting to the treats so she can eat them all. She's pretty aggressive for tomatoes and watermelon but she loves her Cheerios too. I enjoy throwing Cheerios into the pool to watch the ducklings swim and eat. I did have the pool filled to the top but by afternoon most was all over the ground.

Bandit

Bandit is a really pretty duck. She's got some nice "dalmatian" spots on her neck. She and Smokey are still a very close pair and have nice black feathers these days.

Smokey

Smokey has grown to be a favorite of mine. She comes for treats pretty easy and is a really great jumper.She has no problem getting in the pool. Sammy I have to help because she can't jump. I really enjoy having Smokey eat from my hand. Duck nibbles feel really nice.

Reese's Pieces

Little Reese is looking even prettier now that a lot of her feathers have come in. Her head is so little compared to the rest of her body. She's such a tiny duck compared to the others. Reese is afraid of me and never comes for treats. She's the hardest to photograph because she's always hiding or at the back of the pack.

Black But Green

The black ducks have an interesting look to them. Some of their feathers change colors depending on how the light hits them. At times they look black but in daylight they change to green. Bandit has the most green on her so far but Smokey is showing more and more around her wings. It's hard to get a picture of because you have to catch them in the right light but in the above pic you can see a bit of the green color.

The Look That Says We're Plotting To Overthrow the Humans

It's amazing to see how waterproof those feathers are. The water just rolls off of the ducks. They really love having the pool on a hot day. I'm glad to be able to enjoy seeing the swim. It's therapeutic. Watching the ducklings swim is so relaxing and amusing. After a bad day all I have to do is go chill with them out in the yard and they make me feel calm and peaceful.