Final November, we got some Muscovy ducks. Years earlier than we might had Muscovys and actually just like the breed. After a stray canine killed the final of them, we determined to attend till we might safe the yard, earlier than getting extra. Dan made a gate for the driveway and we made a pleasant space for them, subsequent to the goat barn beneath our fig timber. In the end, the geese most well-liked the hen yard. And as soon as there, there was no persuading them to remain within the spot we picked. They picked their very own.
All was effectively till the drake turned sick. We weren’t positive what was mistaken, however he was listless and did not wish to transfer round. Dan needed to take him to the vet, however our common livestock vet would not work on poultry. They really helpful an unique animal vet. Dan referred to as, defined the issue, and was informed they referred to as again. They by no means did. Not eager to see him undergo, Dan put him down.
Not having a drake left the 2 females open to assault by the chickens. Up to now, we might had squabbles between the 2 species, however the rooster and drake at all times protected their very own and stored issues beneath management. With their protector gone, the geese had been picked on by the chickens. One in all them was jumped by a number of hens who pecked her eye out. Dan was match to be tied and we nearly had a mass hen execution, however as a substitute, he put the anger to constructive use and constructed a brand new duck yard. For Mrs. Duck, I had veterinary ophthalmic ointment readily available. We had been in a position to deal with it and forestall an infection from setting in, however she’s now blind in that eye.
We geared up the brand new duck yard with their home, grazing mattress, water dish, and pool. As a result of it is adjoining to the hen yard, hoped it could be acceptable. We figured they rejected the fig tree yard as a result of it was remoted from the opposite birds.
Properly, we lured them in with hen scratch and so they gave it a radical inspection. They appeared joyful to see their home and pool, however after consuming the scratch, they flew as much as the hen coop and returned to the hen yard. We tried a number of occasions to steer them that this was now dwelling, however they weren’t . One factor about critters, you may’t make up their minds for them.
Properly, I reasoned, perhaps after we discover a drake, we’ll put him within the duck yard and so they’ll be prepared to remain. When Dan lastly discovered an grownup drake on Craigslist, that is what we did. Dan transported him in our massive canine service, which we positioned it within the new yard. Then herded the 2 women in. They had been excited to see him!
Then night got here. Would the women lastly keep within the new duck yard? Nope. And never solely that, Large Duck (we title all our drakes Large Duck) flew as much as the hen coop roof with them and adopted them into the hen yard!
They confirmed him round and he appears to agree with them that that is dwelling.
The chickens are conserving a cautious eye on Large Duck and run away every time he waddles close to. Because the three geese transfer in a gaggle, it seems like our two woman Muscovys will now be protected from hen assaults. And the rooster will maintain the geese from pestering the chickens. What else can I say in addition to, “all’s effectively that ends effectively.”
