Overnight fears

[Saigey]

Please don't think that. Sometimes we make mistakes or do something we wouldn't normally do and that's life. Nobody is perfect and does everything perfectly. That's just not realistic. These things are painful sometimes but we grow from them. It's obvious you love your ducks so that makes you more qualified than a lot of people. Be easy on yourself. There's still a chance he'll come back but if he doesn't, please don't beat yourself up (I know that's easier said than done )

I really really really really want him to come back

 

[HeatherKellyB]

My drake, India, was taken right at sunset. Still light enough to see but starting to get dark. There is still a chance your duck will return. Don't give up hope yet. I'll be thinking and

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I really really really really want him to come back

I really hope he comes home too. Please keep us updated. If he comes home, you might want to clip his wing so he doesn't go out for an afternoon flight again

 

[Saigey]

I really hope he comes home too. Please keep us updated. If he comes home, you might want to clip his wing so he doesn't go out for an afternoon flight again

I've been reading posts in the forum, and most of them are encouraging. Fingers crossed and so much praying. I got my 2 calls when they were a day old, so this is home. All the neighbors are on the lookout, too. He's probably hunkered down hiding, and there were a TON of local wild ducks outside this afternoon, including my wood duck rescue/release Jackie, and the woodies are extremely careful when it comes to predators out here. Going to try to get some sleep and hopefully Cap will show back up tomorrow. I've been working on their run/pen but it's been SO difficult- since Covid I've been unemployed and had to move in with my parents and older brother (I'm the youngest by almost 15 years, and my parents had me late). Everywhere I try to put a run/coop someone has a problem with it. There's a sprinkler pipe there, I back out the lawnmower there, "that design won't work", etc. Beyond frustrating and now Cap has flown off. I'm pulling my hair out, honestly. I couldn't love the ducks more if I tried, though.

 

[Saigey]

I went out at 6 this morning and saw about a million wood ducks, including my rescue/release Jackie, so that was neat, but only a couple of mallards, which is who Cap usually socializes with. I almost froze to death, so I came back in, but will do a more thorough search later. There are zero ducks out currently, and I'm sore from falling down a stupid hill while looking for him yesterday. ><

 

[Saigey]

Haven't seen him yet. The other 2 and I are conducting a coordinated search. The other drake and my hen are both calling him (has anyone else ever noticed they seem to have names for each other?!) and they are literally investigating every other male duck up close. Their behavior is leading me to think he's okay. Not only did Loki lay an egg again this morning, but they also keep stopping to play at all of their favorite spots. Since Cap is closer to a mallard in size, and there were so many mallards out yesterday, In starting to wonder if he was chasing a lady and is still out on a bachelor adventure.

 

[Saigey]

Did a search of all the banks and didn't find a single feather. He has to be out adventuring.

 

[MGG]

Oh no!!! I'm so so sorry.
Do you have food and water set out for him? Is there anyone around you that keeps birds? I had a chicken get out once and instead of coming back here she went to the neighbors to hang out with their chickens.

 

[Saigey]

Oh no!!! I'm so so sorry.
Do you have food and water set out for him? Is there anyone around you that keeps birds? I had a chicken get out once and instead of coming back here she went to the neighbors to hang out with their chickens.

We have a lady just across the lake that leaves all kinds of food out for the local ducks. That's where they all hang out.

 

[Saigey]

All the neighbors are keeping an eye out for him and looking for him, too. It's very weird.