Our first 4 ducks hatched in TX on 5/5/21 and were then immediately shipped to us. We had wanted 2 of the Fawn and White Indian Runner Ducks and 2 Black and White Magpie Ducks. These were all sold as a straight run only, so we weren’t sure how many males/females we would end up with.
After a bit of time we were able to tell… we ended up with 1 male Runner, Angel, and 1 female runner, Bandit. The 2 Magpies were both female, Maggie and Marigold.
Angel got his name from his appearance, as his feathers started coming in he looked as if he had a pair of bright white Angel wings. This was before we knew he was a boy for sure, but the name stuck. Angel is a handsome boy, with bright blue eyes and he’s one of the happiest ducks. When you go over to the run he knows when you are talking to him – I often play up to him saying “Angel you’re so handsome!” Or “are you my handsome boy?” He gets a bit bashful! He pulls his head down close to his body and just starts wagging his tail. Angel is also very protective of his girls and can be quite talkative at times with his little raspy quacks.
Bandit! If you saw her markings you’d immediately guess where her name came from as she looks like she’s wearing a mask like a masked bandit. First to quack, loudest quack, and the sweetest girl. Bandit is very petite compared to the others but also the most friendly. She is always watching everything and everyone, and if you talk to her she sort of leans in and tilts her head a bit to look at you. She has the usual loud quacks like the other ducks but she also makes these sort of squeaky quacks too, as if she’s trying to talk back to you. She is my snuggly duck! Every weekend I get to spend some extra time in the coop and I always snatch up Bandit for hugs, and she hugs back! She lays her head and neck over my shoulder, she’s such a little love.
Maggie is a curious duck indeed. She is very independent, often leaving the others to go on her own missions or adventures for food or water or maybe just to tease the chickens. We give frozen peas as treats and Maggie loves them! As soon as she hears the “cheep cheep” call she literally comes running! She also interacts with us when we call her name, quacking back and tilting her head to look at us, likely questioning our next move!
Marigold… aka Queen Marigold. Marigold was the shyest duck of all when they were in the brooder, always keeping a safe distance and would hardly make a peep. I think her first quacks were when we’d pick her up to change their bedding. Since moving to the coop/run however, Marigold is the LOUDEST duck we have! She certainly found her voice. If you approached the coop, she’d be quacking. If someone came in the driveway, she’d be quacking. If one of the chickens was bothering her, she’d be quacking. If nothing at all was going on… she’d be quacking! She is so loud that our neighbors know her quack, and her name from us calling out to her. They fortunately get a kick out of it!
-B
Feather in the Wood 