CrazyCrttr75
Free Ranging
We took the 3 boys to be processed today. 
Financially, it's not worth it. It would be cheaper if we did it ourselves. I want to say that our inexperience and unpreparedness got the best of us but if I'm honest with myself that isn't the only thing. We'd go back and forth, my hubby and I, on whether to do it ourselves or may to have someone else do it this first time with the intention of buying the necessary or wanted materials to do it for ourselves in the future. Because it will happen in the future, albeit extra cockerels or if we let our ducks hatch eggs or we hatch eggs ourselves. That's the whole point in all of this. At least that is what it's supposed to be. Feed our family. Know where our food comes from. I would say save money but we spoil our little mini flock so I'm not sure we are saving anything. Maybe in time, once we get better at it. I have so many dreams of expanding with other animals but that's off in the future that we aren't ready for at this present time. Right now we get to make and experience our first hard decision. Before we gathered them to leave we were out watching them all. Noah, the Rouen Drake, mated with little Luna the Mallard. I saw signs of sexual interest. Trying to nibble the neck as one of the girls passed by in the pool. Trying to get one to slow down to climb on but the girls always zoomed away and the moment was gone. Stuff like that. But this morning, Luna stopped and let him have his way. She definitely didn't put up much of a fight. 
My hubby said, "it doesn't last long does it?" I said nope. He just did his thing and then fell off to the side of her in the water. No victory lap tho (which I have read often happens). It was funny. So after witnessing that this morning we knew. It was just confirmation that it was the right decision. It was time. I have been trying to prepare myself for this moment for weeks ever since I suspected them of being males. But it was hitting my hubby a little harder this morn than it was me. I was ok. Felt strong. I kept looking at it in more of a utilitarian manner. Disconnecting myself emotionally, or so I thought. After we took them to the place, which was not the best of experiences but that is a whole other discussion, on the drive home it hit me. I've been all sorts of torn up but am starting to feel a little better now. I was strong for DH this morn before and he's been strong for me after. The yin to my yang I guess. 
The next few days are going to be weird until we get used to it.
Financially, it's not worth it. It would be cheaper if we did it ourselves. I want to say that our inexperience and unpreparedness got the best of us but if I'm honest with myself that isn't the only thing. We'd go back and forth, my hubby and I, on whether to do it ourselves or may to have someone else do it this first time with the intention of buying the necessary or wanted materials to do it for ourselves in the future. Because it will happen in the future, albeit extra cockerels or if we let our ducks hatch eggs or we hatch eggs ourselves. That's the whole point in all of this. At least that is what it's supposed to be. Feed our family. Know where our food comes from. I would say save money but we spoil our little mini flock so I'm not sure we are saving anything. Maybe in time, once we get better at it. I have so many dreams of expanding with other animals but that's off in the future that we aren't ready for at this present time. Right now we get to make and experience our first hard decision. Before we gathered them to leave we were out watching them all. Noah, the Rouen Drake, mated with little Luna the Mallard. I saw signs of sexual interest. Trying to nibble the neck as one of the girls passed by in the pool. Trying to get one to slow down to climb on but the girls always zoomed away and the moment was gone. Stuff like that. But this morning, Luna stopped and let him have his way. She definitely didn't put up much of a fight. My hubby said, "it doesn't last long does it?" I said nope. He just did his thing and then fell off to the side of her in the water. No victory lap tho (which I have read often happens). It was funny. So after witnessing that this morning we knew. It was just confirmation that it was the right decision. It was time. I have been trying to prepare myself for this moment for weeks ever since I suspected them of being males. But it was hitting my hubby a little harder this morn than it was me. I was ok. Felt strong. I kept looking at it in more of a utilitarian manner. Disconnecting myself emotionally, or so I thought. After we took them to the place, which was not the best of experiences but that is a whole other discussion, on the drive home it hit me. I've been all sorts of torn up but am starting to feel a little better now. I was strong for DH this morn before and he's been strong for me after. The yin to my yang I guess. The next few days are going to be weird until we get used to it.
