- Apr 19, 2011
- 1
- 0
- 7
Hi all! I had ducks and chickens when I was growing up (Mom was a kindergarten teacher and hatched them in her classroom; we raised them at home) and I loved, loved, loved having them, ducks especially. They are so affectionate and fun! They were Rouens and I've never forgotten them.
Fast forward 15 years, and I'm newly married. I had all kinds of pets throughout my life, but my husband did not. I thought I could go without cats and dogs, but soon the urge to hold baby kittens and puppies, and to pet cats and dogs while I'm reading or hanging out, started to become overwhelming. Husband did NOT want cats or dogs, mainly because of shedding and allergen issues. As we start our family I'm realizing that so much of my upbringing depended on animals: compassion, responsibility, grief counseling, and empathy. I want my children to have these experiences, but with my husband's discomfort around cats and dogs, I thought we were at an impasse.
Then my beloved childhood ducks came into mind, and after doing a lot of research on making backyard habitats for ducks (they seem much more popular than when I was a kid), my husband agreed that they're awesome and adorable and a great idea! They are so much more fun than cats or dogs, and I am so excited that we're both on board!
The only thing we're waiting for is a house; we're currently in an apartment and hoping to own our first home this year. Then we can get our duck babies!! I'm currently looking at Pekins because they seem so friendly and affectionate. My only concern is noise, which is veering me towards Cayugas.
My only question is: my only experience is with ducks who have been hatched with us, and therefore knew us from the second they were born. Have you seen the same kind of bonding with ducklings who were not hatched with you? If so, how old should ducklings be when we adopt them?
Fast forward 15 years, and I'm newly married. I had all kinds of pets throughout my life, but my husband did not. I thought I could go without cats and dogs, but soon the urge to hold baby kittens and puppies, and to pet cats and dogs while I'm reading or hanging out, started to become overwhelming. Husband did NOT want cats or dogs, mainly because of shedding and allergen issues. As we start our family I'm realizing that so much of my upbringing depended on animals: compassion, responsibility, grief counseling, and empathy. I want my children to have these experiences, but with my husband's discomfort around cats and dogs, I thought we were at an impasse.
Then my beloved childhood ducks came into mind, and after doing a lot of research on making backyard habitats for ducks (they seem much more popular than when I was a kid), my husband agreed that they're awesome and adorable and a great idea! They are so much more fun than cats or dogs, and I am so excited that we're both on board!
The only thing we're waiting for is a house; we're currently in an apartment and hoping to own our first home this year. Then we can get our duck babies!! I'm currently looking at Pekins because they seem so friendly and affectionate. My only concern is noise, which is veering me towards Cayugas.
My only question is: my only experience is with ducks who have been hatched with us, and therefore knew us from the second they were born. Have you seen the same kind of bonding with ducklings who were not hatched with you? If so, how old should ducklings be when we adopt them?
