I'm so sorry to hear about Audree. It seems like she came into your life to show you that you can do this. When you think you can't go any further, she showed you that yes, you can.
I totally understand what you're saying. Life seems to like to do things like that. However, you know that by springtime, you'll be done and free to have more adventures with your ducks!
I'm sorry for a setback.
I really like how @microchick put it. You'll be done by spring and then it will be like a whole new, wonderful chance at life, just like spring!
I'm so sorry! Please don't beat yourself up over losses. All animal owners will experience, at one point, a loss that they might have prevented or helped. (I know I have.) It's a part of owning animals, and I view the life you give them as what truly matters.
It might be partly because of whatever breed they are too. My Easter Egger chicks have been the friendliest, though they still all went through that phase. I actually believe that still being social with poultry at this point is one of the most important times in keeping them social. I've had...
Adolescence to me and my flock is typically beginning at 1 month - 6 weeks, and ending around 3 or 4 months old. They're very hard at this time, because they demand you to do so much (mine will peep to no end if they want anything), yet they're not fond of being held. It's a hard time, but just...
When I had ducks, they were great until they hit adolescence. After that, and until they became adults, they didn't like me much. I'm currently going through the same phase with my 7 week old chicks. They were all very friendly, but as always, they hit that time and become very anti-social. I...