Saying goodbye to my beautiful girl - what next?

[aidanadia29]

Hello all,

Long time lurker. Apologies for any typos in advance, am bawling my eyes out and can’t really see.

I am the proud owner of two female muscovies. My older one (about 4) suddenly stopped walking yesterday morning. She was completely fine the night before, pottering around for bugs etc before going to bed in her coop.

Vet said she suffered a spinal injury and there was not a whole lot that could be done. We’ve brought her home and put her in her favourite spot in the garden, under the lemon tree.
I am watching her fade. Her eyes are closing, breathing laboured. She was such a vivacious spirit - responds to her name, wags her tail like a dog, goes mad for lettuce and cucumber chips and only likes being hand fed.

it is so difficult to see her like this. My beautiful girl, my ducky doggy as I’ve called her, passing before me. She got so happy when she saw her sister, only time she raised her head and chirped since the injury.

have been crying like a baby since yesterday. This is so heartbreaking.

Sorry I didn’t mean to write an ode here I’m just very emotional please forgive me.

my question is, what now? I understand ducks are flocking animals and don’t do well on their own. Should I rush out to get another one, for the sake of my remaining duck? They have been together for about 2-3 years, and are pretty close (except when broody!). I think she knows her sister is passing, was kind of combing her head feathers with her bill and poking her gently earlier when she was droopy.

I am worried that she will pass from loneliness if I don’t get another, or just suffer being lonely. I don’t like the idea of replacing my baby girl in a heartbeat, but it’s not really me that I’m concerned about here.

My mum is steadfast against getting another one because of the emotional pain being a pet owner causes and wants to give the remaining one away - I think this would be too much of a shock to her though.

does anyone have some advice? It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

a fellow duck lover

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

I would get a female ASAP (for the other duck). and I know what it is like to lose a pet when I was eight my pet chicken, Blacky, was injured by a dog. She died in my arms a week later.

 

[elisabeth_]

I am so so sorry. I don’t really have any advice to offer as I have never been in this position, but I know I’m speaking for a lot of the members of BYC when I say we are here if you need us, if you just wanted to talk or anything at all. I know how easy it is to get attached to a duck/chicken, and I can only imagine how you feel. I hope the situation for your other little duck turns out alright ❤

 

[Xouie]

I’m so sorry you are going through this. Muscovies are such amazing companions and losing one is very hard. I understand your mother’s perspective, but sending your other duck to another home may make this time even harder on all of you.

As @Bigtom Turkey says, please consider getting another scobie for the sake of both your remaining hen and you.

 

[KaleIAm]

I'm very sorry to hear about your duck. I understand your feelings. It is normal to feel grief over your precious duck.

Regarding your remaining duck, the best thing for her, in my opinion is probably to get her a friend very soon. This way she will not have to adjust to a new home, new owners, and new ducks.

But this may not be the kindest thing for you, and you are also very important. If the heartbreak of having your pets pass on is too much for you it is ok to consider finding her a new home.