Is it possible / sensible to get a duck a friend?

[Miss Lydia]

Do the Swans migrate over winter?

 

[WesCV04]

Provide shelter, but not a mate. At 14 he is approaching the end of his life, and then you would be left with a hen without company. Sounds as if he is doing fine. Of course you could always follow Miss Lydia's advice and take him home.

Wish that was an option. Will definitely give a shelter a shot in a few months. It was pretty frigid last year.

 

[Miss Lydia]

At least give him an option.. What about predators many of those in this area? to have lived to be 14 and not be eaten is very good.

 

[WesCV04]

Around here osprey, foxes and on the wooded perimeters of the city some coyotes. This area borders the Taunton river so not much in the way of threats... unless you count hoodlums and vehicles.

edit: Fisher cats too.

 

[thumper650]

Oops! I just took a closer look and saw that it’s a trailer. Still a great pic!

Thanks, don't worry he rides inside whenever he needs to travel.

Yes it is, that's pretty amazing! Despite best efforts things are on a slow decline here as the urban decay slowly increases.

We nicknamed him Waddles/Wattles, and alright I'll have to make him a winter shelter this year.

I was thinking that too, he migh appreciate a simple shelter. I wonder if he roosts on the ground. I'd love to take him, but I think he's probably pretty happy with his routine.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thanks, don't worry he rides inside whenever he needs to travel.

I was thinking that too, he migh appreciate a simple shelter. I wonder if he roosts on the ground. I'd love to take him, but I think he's probably pretty happy with his routine.

Yeah, at 14 he might have a hard time adapting to a new home or a coop or run or anything like that, although a shelter is definitely a good idea.

 

[ShrekDawg]

That's pretty impressive he has made it to 14. Wonder how long they live?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd say lonely though since he is Muscovy and no others around they don't speak the same language as Mallard derived breeds. Maybe he does have a friend though since there are geese and mallards there?

 

[WesCV04]

He could be older, or a couple of years younger. Several co-workers have been employed here 14 years and 12 years, 10+ etc and he's always been a staple here so that's where the estimate comes from. He's pretty unique being a giant white duck so I'm hesitant to doubt their memory.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Beautiful blue eyes too I bet. I had 3 solid white Muscovy females with beautiful blue eyes.