​Our Philosophy

 

With our Duckling Discovery adventures at Homestead BirdHatchery, we believe some of life’s most meaningful lessons are learned together.

 

Children naturally look to the adults they trust for guidance—watching how we try new things, respond with care, and show kindness, patience, and respect toward living animals. That’s why

 

Duckling Discovery begins with the grown-ups.

Before little hands meet our ducklings, we gently show parents and caregivers how to safely hold and handle them. As children see their trusted adults approach the experience with calm confidence and care, they’re encouraged to do the same.

 

Our ducklings are raised to be comfortable with gentle human interaction, and we believe there’s no better first cuddle than one shared with the grown-up a child knows and loves most.

 

We simply provide the setting, guidance, and opportunity—you provide the reassurance, encouragement, and example they’ll remember.

 

Together, we create more than duckling cuddles: moments of connection, confidence, curiosity, and wonder that families carry home long after the visit.

 

Duckling Discovery is a gentle invitation to slow down, connect with animals, and experience the simple wonder of life—leaving with a deeper appreciation for animal care and the remarkable journey from egg to hatchling.

 

What is Duckling Discovery?

Duckling Discovery is a 30-minute, hands-on outdoor adventure in a designated area of a real backyard farm where children (ages 4+) and their accompanying adults can meet our baby ducklings, enjoy gentle duckling cuddles, help share duck snacks, watch the ducklings splash by the pond, and learn a little about hatching, nutrition and some egg crackin' fun.

 

Where does Duckling Discovery take place?

Duckling Discovery is hosted with Homestead BirdHatchery at The Backyard Farmer at #389 Anton Bodden Drive in Bodden Town, Grand Cayman.

 

Directions and arrival information will be provided with your booking confirmation - It's important to review the address and directions in advance to ensure an on time arrival.  

Who is Duckling Discovery suitable for?

Duckling Discovery is designed for both adults and children 4 years and older who can sit independently and follow simple instructions, together with a parent, grandparent, or other accompanying adult.

 

How long does the experience last?

Duckling Discovery is an introductory experience and is 30 minutes.

Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your confirmed start time, as each experience begins promptly.

What does it cost?

The Duckling Discovery adventure is CI$10 per person.

Payment is cash only and is collected upon arrival.

 

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. Advance registration and confirmation are required.

To ensure every family enjoys a relaxed, personal experience, numbers are intentionally limited.

A booking is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation message from Homestead BirdHatchery.

 

Why is advance confirmation required?

Each Duckling Discovery adventure is intentionally kept to small groups so every family enjoys a relaxed, hands-on experience with our ducklings.

Once your booking is confirmed, those spaces are reserved especially for your family, and we begin preparing for your visit.

As a small hatchery, we don’t have the capacity to maintain a waiting list or to fill last-minute cancellations. When families cancel late or do not arrive, those reserved spaces are often left unused, and another family misses the opportunity to attend.

We confirm bookings in good faith and kindly ask that families arrive on time with cash payment per guest ready on arrival.

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What should we wear?

Please dress comfortably for an outdoor visit on a real backyard farm.

REQUIRED FOR FARM ENTRY: Everyone must wear: Fully Closed-toe shoes (no crocs, sandals or flip flops)

We suggest:​

• Comfortable, loose fitting clothing (you don't mind getting wet and dirty)

• A hat

• Long pants are helpful for kiddos so they can enjoy a more comfortable experience 

• Sunscreen

• Drinking Water

• Mosquito repellent (optional, but we suggest applying before arrival as it can get a little buggy on the farm after the rain)

Will we get to hold the ducklings?

Yes!

Children and adults will have the opportunity to gently meet and cuddle our baby ducklings under our guidance.

The welfare of our ducklings is always our highest priority, and interactions are carefully supported to ensure the experience is enjoyable for both our guests and our ducklings.

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Is there bathroom access on site?

Duckling Discovery is an outdoor experience and there are no

bathroom facilities available on site. We kindly ask that all guests use facilities before arrival to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience for everyone.

Can we feed the ducklings?

Yes!

Guests will have the opportunity to offer appropriate duck snacks provided during the experience. We don’t force feed ducklings—if one isn’t interested, another is usually happy to enjoy the extra treat.

Can we take photographs?

Absolutely!

We encourage families to capture these special memories and share their experience. We’re always happy to take a photo of your family using your phone or camera, so everyone can be in the picture together. If you share your photos, we’d love for you to tag us @Homestead BirdHatchery so we can see your moments and share in the joy—your support also helps other families discover and learn about us too.

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What happens if it rains?

Duckling Discovery is an outdoor experience, and we are in a sheltered area of the farm, so light rain does not usually affect our sessions.

The ducks enjoy the rain, so we generally continue as planned. However, if there is thunder or lightning, we will reschedule for everyone’s safety.

If weather conditions require any changes, we will contact confirmed guests by WhatsApp as soon as possible to advise.

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Can younger siblings attend?

Duckling Discovery has been designed for both adults and children aged 4 years and older who can participate safely and follow simple instructions.

If you're unsure whether the experience is suitable for your child, please feel free to contact us before booking.

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Is Duckling Discovery educational?

Absolutely!

While the experience is designed to be fun and memorable, children will also discover:

• How ducklings hatch

• Basic animal care

• Life on a working farm

• The importance of agriculture

• Where food comes from

• How to interact gently and respectfully with animals

Our goal is for every family to leave with wonderful memories, new knowledge, and an even greater appreciation for the natural world.

Can we book a private Duckling Discovery experience?

Yes! Private experiences may be available for families, homeschool groups, schools, birthday celebrations, community organisations, and other small groups.

Please contact us to discuss availability and group options.

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We hope every family leaves with muddy shoes, happy hearts... and a little more wonder than when they arrived. 🐥🌿