Ive been at a sizable loss of words here the last few days. A lot going on, a lot to take in but here it goes.
We lost oreo( one of the swedes) the other day and it has been very demoralizing to my focus here. Becoming attached to them was a given from the start and watching how they joined the mallards only strengthened that bond. It took me until today to really put this all straight in my head, its so hard to direct the anger when there's nothing there for me to point a finger at. Would have been easier I think if it was a neighbors dog, at least then there's a responsible culprit. Instead I shake my fist at the wind and throw a rock at anything moving the grass. Truly it is my own fault for not taking better measures to secure my animals.
It seems I cant take two steps in the right direction without finding some sort of resistance. But I need to keep moving onward and upward. And as devastating as the loss of one more close animal is to my psyche I can only imagine what the rest of the ducks are going though.
I've been staying as busy as I can on the property, mostly just sorting things out. Redug more of the pond out and got the trench dug for drain. Got a cement mixer enroute from home depot to help finish up the job, will be here at the beginning of the month. Going to be looking to some close friends for a quick finish to that project. It seems ever more neccessary as the days pass. The ducklings get big fast and still waiting to see what comes of the second mallards nest, I'm hoping not all duds. Cookie the other swede is even building a strong nest in the mallards old spot. I added a few of oreos eggs to it as well. Will be her first time going broody if she eventually sits so I will keep my fingers crossed.
Speaking of mothers, dolly is a week and a half out from her due date. Really keeping my hopes up for a better hatch rate this time around.
And speaking of babies, to cheer me and the ducks up the Misses came home with 4 little ducklings yesterday. 2 Cayuga and 2 welsh harlequin. Both breeding pairs. Tried blending them in, about a week behind, but momma wasn't having any of that so they are in the house. Forgot how messy baby ducklings can be. Lol. But so cute and fun. And the baby enjoys the cage being used inside again.
Got an early b day present from my mom considering all the commotion and its very fitting,
Story's guide to raising ducks, been browsing through and have already found some great stuff. Great buy mom if you read this.
Gonna leave it here for now. Getting late but there's always more. Thanks for watching and I hope you allstill enjoy.
Onward and upward
Attimus