Ducks do like pleasant noises - I say that because I have noticed that my ducks calm down when I talk to them or sing to them, and other people have told me the same.
I don't read to them, but I do sing to them. I even have a little lullaby song I composed for them when they were ducklings...
Thanks, veronicasmom, nothing drastic - just a - well, maybe equivalent of bumblefoot on my own leg, didn't respond to home remedies, so I'm taking some oral antibiotics. Just involved a trip into town, and a change in my plans for the day.
The ducks have taught me to not ignore infections...