I think one of the most detrimental effects of continuing to breed these ducks iss the threat it poses to the wild mallard populations. Due to the nature of the gene, just one "lose" (read: released or escaped) drake could potentially cause an entire population to be potentially wiped out within just a few generations. (Unable to survive against predators or adequately find resources to survive.)
yes it is.
That's a good point, never thought of that. I hear from people all of the time that say their ducks flew away.
yep FR. how is she tonightGot the new feed in. I am trying to compare labels from the Purina Start and Grow and the Mazuri Waterfowl Starter but I ripped the side off of the Purina label. They are VERY similar when it comes to the added vitamins. Mazuri does have brewers yeast listed, along with Niacin, B12, A, and Selenium, it does not list E. Mazuris vitamins are listed higher in the ingredients so I assume that means there are larger amounts. The Mazuri does seem to have higher quality grains where Purina lists grain by-products, not that it matters. The Mazuri has a higher protein, 20%, fat is the same, 3%, and fiber is higher at 6.5%.
Once we get past the growing period I am going to put them on a feed that they can all eat together, I think you guys have called it flock raiser?
Bless their hearts they have really bonded. Has she eaten and drank good today? taken her vits and meds.
You are so right about that, I will say this I have a Muscovy drake who will be 10 yrs old next month and he can walk but it's very limited, I have to carry him to and from the front yard everyday because him and his 4 girls can't be with the other ducks because this drake would be pick on since he can't defend him self any more. He still eats and even baths when I can put water out for them [when the weather permits] He can move around in the front but it takes him a while to get from point A to point B. I'm telling you all of this because we have talked many times about what would be best for Ernie and each time come to the conclusion as long as he is eating and drinking bathing and moving around and seems to like being with his girls[they adore him] then he will be with us. I think they will let us know when they are ready to give up. As long as you both are willing to take care of her then I'd just enjoy each day. There is still time for her to be completely healed but if not then you'll adapt and so will she.Yes they are close. She has eaten today, some dry but mostly mash. Her water was dirty when I got home so she is drinking. She got her cocktail of meds a few minutes ago, my husband wanted to hold her tonight so he gave her a neck rub
Let me begin this statement with...While I don't know for sure, it does not appear the Qwackers is in pain. She seems to be able to relax and is usually quiet. My husband and I were talking about her future if she doesnt get better. We've decided that so long as she is eating and drinking on her own and doesn't seem to be in pain we're going to just adapt to her condition. I had been thinking that after a certain period of time with no improvement we'd euthanize
her. But, if she is not hurting why?
What do you guys think? Is it fair? Is it cruel to keep her alive with such limited mobility?
My reasoning is this...we don't euthanize people who are paralyzed or who have MS.
Awww, sounds like he is VERY loved
