A) It's ok not to have ducks as your favorite 
They do come with their own issues (just like any pet) and it is up to you to know what you don't mind and what is more of a pain for you. For example, I have three cats because they are easy for me. But I only have one dog because more than one dog is just too much (especially with three cats lolol). A fishtank was too much bother for the reward, but my cockatiel is great (different work needed)
B) With so many cases of bumble foot, there seems to be a need to change their living situation. Better living situation (removing whatever is causing the bumblefoot)=less stress for you. I agree with you that once you get the new coop built, you will find your life getting easier
C) Simplify, simplify, simplify. I know that I was getting weary of the mess and the SMELL of the ducks when they were in a smaller area (and I still mourn the grass that was there). When they started free ranging during the day, it got incredibly more enjoyable for all of us. When they decided categorically that they were going to stay on the pond no matter what I did, my life got both easier and more stressful lolol.
I also found that removing three drakes changed the dynamic incredibly--some ways for good, some ways for less than good, but overall much better.
Is it just ducks that you are not feeling very positive about anymore or is it a more general "winter blahs/loss of happy" thing?
They do come with their own issues (just like any pet) and it is up to you to know what you don't mind and what is more of a pain for you. For example, I have three cats because they are easy for me. But I only have one dog because more than one dog is just too much (especially with three cats lolol). A fishtank was too much bother for the reward, but my cockatiel is great (different work needed)B) With so many cases of bumble foot, there seems to be a need to change their living situation. Better living situation (removing whatever is causing the bumblefoot)=less stress for you. I agree with you that once you get the new coop built, you will find your life getting easier
C) Simplify, simplify, simplify. I know that I was getting weary of the mess and the SMELL of the ducks when they were in a smaller area (and I still mourn the grass that was there). When they started free ranging during the day, it got incredibly more enjoyable for all of us. When they decided categorically that they were going to stay on the pond no matter what I did, my life got both easier and more stressful lolol.
I also found that removing three drakes changed the dynamic incredibly--some ways for good, some ways for less than good, but overall much better.
Is it just ducks that you are not feeling very positive about anymore or is it a more general "winter blahs/loss of happy" thing?
