I am hoping this is a normal feeling and that some of you can help me not feel as guilty. I started out two years ago with four ducks. They were my zen... I would have a bad day, come home from work and sit outside and just watch them play in the yard. Sometimes they would come up to me and take treats from my hand and one even would hop up and sit on my lap. Over the last two years, between Mama Cass hiding nests on me and people dumping birds at my house, I got up to 22 ducks. I was so overwhelmed with that amount that instead of being fun and relaxing, it became work. I found homes for all but 10 of them and was happy with the result. Mama Cass was my favorite... she was a tiny little Mallard and was just the sweetest little thing. Well, she hid a nest on me again and, as a result of her refusing to go into their house at night, she was taken by a racoon, as well as 6 of the 10 eggs she was sitting on. I had tried putting hardwire cloth around where her nest was but apparently I missed somewhere and now my baby is gone. The ducks that I have left are not as friendly and they pretty much are just out there, hanging out. I still love to hear them "talk" to each other and the eggs are just wonderful for baking (which I love to do) but I just am not feeling the joy that I felt for over a year with them. They are very well "trained" and they have lots of room and a full sized bathtub as well as a kiddie pool to swim in. They have fresh food and water every day and I clean their area once a week. It just is not as satisfying for me anymore. I don't want to get rid of them... I love them... I just would like to feel the way I used to about them. I guess I just don't feel bonded with them anymore?? I Figured as long as they are being cared for properly, it really isn't that big of a deal... however I do miss the joy I felt when I was out with them before. Has anyone else been through this? Is it normal?
Thanks!
Thanks!
