Domino the Duckling
We were given 13 duck eggs as a wedding gift. We have never kept ducks, and we have never hatched anything in an incubator before. (We already keep chickens, th...
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We were given 13 duck eggs as a wedding gift. We have never kept ducks, and we have never hatched anything in an incubator before. (We already keep chickens, though.) We borrowed an incubator, learned all we could, and had 5 healthy ducklings hatch. Number 6, Domino, was slow to hatch and almost didn't survive the first 48 hours. We had to hold him close, keep him warm, hand feed him fortified water with an eye dropper, and on day two we started giving him mashed egg yolk with the water. After two days of constant care and worry, he finally was healthy enough to join the others. Despite all of our heroic efforts, he has a permanently wonky bill - which makes him both incredibly cute and exceptionally hilarious. All the extra time in our hands for two days also means he's the friendliest of the flock - and also the most likely to come running for attention. This photo was taken during "duckling tubby time" which was one of the highlights of raising ducklings. Domino is a bantam breed of Indies ducks, and has brilliant green iridescent feathers. He is about the size of a pint glass, and is now fully grown.
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Feb, 2016Views
3670
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in birdemotion Photo Challenge
Winner in Bird Portraits Photo Challenge
Member Selection Award
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
All Star
Superior Skill
Love it
Virtuoso
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 20 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Categories
Platinum
JennaVee
May 26, 2016
He's the greatest little drake! SO much personality, so sweet, and when he wags his little duck butt it's THE BEST.
PRO
GrammaB
June 22, 2016
I love Domino! This is such a beautiful capture. His personality totally comes through.
kathyk_abq
September 13, 2016
Oh my! How adorable he is - great shot! Thanks for the wonderful story! :)
Platinum
acglock
June 19, 2017
Thank you for sharing Domino and his story! He's definitely a prize-winner in every way!
annmor
August 18, 2017
WOW! I mean WOW! His is soo adorable cute! And the photo shows that! Great shot and great story! I wish you all the best and all the luck! best regards -:)
Platinum
yvonnechristinebannister
August 22, 2017
I love his story, he's gorgeous, I love to read such beautiful stories of incredible people like your good selves loving and caring for animals, thank you for sharing. Awesome capture.
PRO
PRO+
angelabranson
February 28, 2018
Great shot! I love the character captured in this portrait of your duck :)
Premium
PRO+
PRO
Ultimate
JayneBug
February 11, 2021
This wonky bill is BEYOND cute and hilarious. Great capture! Congratulations on your award winning image!
Ultimate
Hprue
February 11, 2021
superb photo and heart warming story. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your win. Well deserved!
Ultimate
petermackinnonphoto
February 12, 2021
Congratulations on winning the bird portrait challenge. Great photo.
PRO
Platinum
Platinum
wandaberger
October 22, 2021
Thank you,this shot made me laugh and kept me smiling for so long I had to go back and see it again
PRO+
Platinum
imagesbyPattiC
November 30, 2023
It could be that the egg wasn't turned often enough--at least twice a day but more is better. Also, it could be that the egg got too hot which causes deformaties. I always make a mark on one side of the egg and make sure all marks are up, and all marks are down when I turn them and that keeps the eggs positively all turned correctly. He's a cutie all right.
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