This is the fourth year that I have hatched ducklings in the the classroom. The first two years I got the eggs from one of my student's parents with Khakis and then he took the ducklings. The next year I made arrangements for a home for them before I began. We gave them to a farm about 75 miles from here. Last week my class went to visit the ducks at their new home in a bus. I have ducks of my own now and we are hatching a few more this year. I might keep some, but have arranged for good homes for the rest of them. I talk to my kids about how long they live and when you decide to take one, you have to be willing to keep it for the ducks life. We also talk about how messy they are, and all the things you have to provide in order to keep them as pets.
It is surprising though - so many people assume that they are wild and you can just let them go. We raise salmon too, which we do release in the spring. But people have asked "When are you going to release the ducks?" Then I have to explain to them the difference between wild and domestic ducks. I think it is just ignorance for some people. But some people get caught up in the moment because they are so cute... and don't think it through. That happens a lot with dogs, cats and other animals too. Look at how many are in shelters or wandering the streets. It is a shame that some people are just not responsible.
You think you're doing something good, and find out it's the complete opposite.
