Is it odd that I have no desire to....

[TSOWOATNKC]

Is it odd that I have absolutely no desire to treat my waterfowl like true pets? I think they’re great, and a ton of fun to watch. Yet, I wouldn’t get into a pool with them (or let my kids do so) because...ew poo. I’m fastidious about washing out and off anything that touches said poo, and after they are handled. I feed them grass thru the fence every time I pass by, and give them treats of course. I’ll even pet them on the head (but absolutely not in the back). On the other hand if push comes to shove I see them as a food supply, and lawnmowers that just happen to be cute and funny to watch.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Odd? No.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Not odd at all. Mine all have names but are half livestock half pets. I really enjoy them, give them treats and fresh pools. But they are there for the eggs. I love watching them waddle about. But they are not my dog or cat. That said, I am probably a lifelong duck keeper. They are just so cute. I don't understand all the fuss on here about poo. Yes they poo everywhere and frequently but it doesn't smell compared to any other animal poo. And it seems to help my yard. I feed top quality waterfowl feed and boiled potatos, macaroni and watermelon as treats. Goose poo is icky.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Not odd at all. Mine all have names but are half livestock half pets. I really enjoy them, give them treats and fresh pools. But they are there for the eggs. I love watching them waddle about. But they are not my dog or cat. That said, I am probably a lifelong duck keeper. They are just so cute. I don't understand all the fuss on here about poo. Yes they poo everywhere and frequently but it doesn't smell compared to any other animal poo. And it seems to help my yard. I feed top quality waterfowl feed and boiled potatos, macaroni and watermelon as treats. Goose poo is icky.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Sorry. Not sure how I posted multiples. HATE that.

 

[Jpat]

You are an evil bad person!!

Jk. I kept some and loved them and played with them. Then ate them. Its the way of life, farm animals are bred to die and its okay to love them untill their destiny

 

[TSOWOATNKC]

It's not that I am grossed out by all the poo. it's that I absolutely wouldn't sit in (or let my kids sit in) said poo soup. I wouldn't sit in a bath full of any poo.

 

[PirateGirl]

Confession. I have chickens I have not hugged, kissed, pet, or touch in anyway whatsoever in months! I love my birds and care for my birds, but my chickens and ducks are not my snuggle buddies and never will be. Confession part 2, I have never even bought them treats, they just get leftovers from dinner from time to time if the produce is starting to go off. They don't have cute little leashes, they are not allowed in my house, I don't take greeting card photos of them... They are not my dog or cat. (I know people have very hands off relationships with dogs and cats too, and that works in some scenarios too). It's ok.

 

[TSOWOATNKC]

Confession. I have chickens I have not hugged, kissed, pet, or touch in anyway whatsoever in months! I love my birds and care for my birds, but my chickens and ducks are not my snuggle buddies and never will be. Confession part 2, I have never even bought them treats, they just get leftovers from dinner from time to time if the produce is starting to go off. They don't have cute little leashes, they are not allowed in my house, I don't take greeting card photos of them... They are not my dog or cat. (I know people have very hands off relationships with dogs and cats too, and that works in some scenarios too). It's ok.

Well, my treats consist of a bag of peas I bought grocery shopping andkeep in the fridge. I throw peas at them from the balcony and they run around digging for them. "It's raining food! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! It's raining food!" I also throw the gazillions of partially eaten apples (and various other fruits/veggies) my kids leave around the house too. They aren't moldy, just partially eaten and covered in fuzz/dirt that would go in yard waste otherwise. They like the herb cuttings I don't use too, and we throw them dandelions we weed out of the garden too. My husband gives them grass cuttings almost every night as well. Watching them run around looking for treats I've thrown is hilarious.

Edit to add: I never liked the chickens. The last six go with their coop this Sunday in exchange for a piano delivered to my house, and $250. My aunt asked if I feel guilty about the amount I'm getting for them. She's an original farmgirl, and can't imagine why anyone would pay that much for a coop and 6 RIR pullets unless they are gold encrusted. To be fair to myself; I'm selling them cheaper than everyone else. I honestly didn't think I'd get a piano and cash out of the deal, but I'll take it! My kids can start lessons next school year.

I chat with our alpha goose Cheddar, I make sure he'll let me pick him up for safety reasons. Otherwise I leave them alone to just be waterfowl-y.