u/Relevant-Package-928

I'll just say it, right up front, I'm one of THOSE people. Before you judge, please read my entire post.

There were 10 mixed ducklings at TSC for $1 each and I took them home with me. To be fair, I was debating between ducks and chickens and I'm not sure what happens to $1 ducks if no one takes them, so I took them and will learn as I go.

I have a mini ranch with 3 acres and an orange grove. There's a barn and a coop with a run. There's irrigation. The coop has an enclosed box and security cameras and I plan to add an automatic door to the coop. I feel like everything is secure and I'm in a farming community so I have support. However... I'm new to ducks and I have questions.

I'd like to know what you wish you'd known when you got your first ducks. I've already accepted that it was irresponsible of me to buy unsexed ducklings but given that there's a barn with stalls and several fenced runs, I do feel like I can divide them as needed to keep them all safe from each other, if there are too many drakes and still allow them plenty of room and socialization.

It doesn't get cold here. I'm in a Mediterranean climate in Southern California. I do have some ceramic coop heaters because the nights can get chilly. The coop has an enclosed box so it should be plenty warm.

I was trying to get a first aid kit together for them and I'm not sure what I should have on hand. My main concern is snakes. There are coyotes and hawks as well but snakes are my main concern, I think.

Until they're older, the ducklings are in the garage in a dog pen that was meant for 4 large dogs. The garage is consistently warm and there's plenty of space. The floor of the pen is just the right size for a small wading pool that I've filled with shavings and can easily clean. With the pool lining the pen, they can't get through the bars the pool is 12" high.

They have a feeder and I have a 3" high pan for playing and I'll need a separate waterer. For now, I just change the water a lot. I'm not sure what to give them for treats and enrichment. I have a tiny baby pool that they can splash in and a second dog pen that I can put outside so they can forage and play in dirt if that's okay for them.

I did read through the posts and try to educate myself post purchase and I think they'll be okay here. I don't think I made a regrettable decision and I'm confident I can raise some happy ducks. I just know that there's a lot that I don't know and these are the questions I have right off the bat.

Also, I know there's 1 Runner Duck. I have no clue what the rest of them might be but there look to be at least two other breeds, just looking at their features. Some have bluish bills and their eyes have different shapes.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I'd appreciate not being judged for my TSC impulse buy. I'm an impulsive person and have an excellent track record with pets. Sometimes you just have to dive into things and learn as you go. Any additional tips and tricks and advice is very much appreciated. TIA

I'm moving and need to pack up my stash of yarns that date to about 2000-2016. Most of them are labeled and have multiple colorways. I was thinking I might share them here to help folks out, as I go through them. What would be the best way to share the photos and labels. I've been taking photos like this and wanted some feedback before I photographed the rest of my stash. There will be dozens of photos, so I can keep adding to this post, I guess.