Lydia Redgrave holds one of the 25 ducklings. 04/11/04STAFF at the Farmer Giles Farmstead, in Teffont, had an early Easter surprise, when two Muscovy ducks presented them with 25 ducklings last week.

They hurriedly had to make up a nursery inside one of the buildings and move the tiny balls of fluff out of the cold park and into somewhere a little warmer.

They are allowed outside in a pen during the day, but at night they are put inside with an arc heater to increase their chance of survival during the colder nights.

Despite being well protected by their mother, they will not be given free run of the farm until their flight wings are developed.

Last week, all 25 ducklings were doing well and all were expected to grow into adults.

The rare sight of ducklings in October proved a big attraction for visitors to the farm.