Animals
- Goodbye Methuselah
Yesterday morning when I stopped by the pond to feed the ducks,I did my usual head count.Twelve ducks were paddling around in their little circular pool of water...kept from freezing by an aerator. For seven or eight years, that head count has included...
- Tiny Miracles
Early this weekend during AM chores, I headed to the pond to put feed out for the ducks. Upon entering the duck hut, I saw Mrs. Duckles on her nest.She was hissing at me. I looked a bit closer.... she wasn't alone,no, there were several just hatched...
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A whole year has passed since we bought our last batch of ducklings.We added a mixture (17) of Cayugas, Swedish, and Pekins to the pond;home, then, to the solitary Methuselah (Khaki Campbell drake.) Every day since the new ducks came,we go to the pond,...
- Duck, Duck, Dog
Yesterday afternoon, after chores,the dogs and I headed down to the pond to check on the ducks. They are really enjoying their pond time each day.Every morning, Methuselah, our old Campbell duck, is waiting on the shore beside the duck hut....pacing...waiting...
- New Ducks On Their Way!!
Our poor flock of Campbell ducks has slowly dwindled down to just one lone duck. We have named her Methusela because she has lived the longest. I worry that she is lonely. We feed her daily and she spends her days happily swimming on the pond...often...
Animals
Maddie and the Ducklings
About two weeks ago, while we were on vacation,
nine little ducklings hatched at our pond.
This is the second generation of ducks that have come from my original
group of Swedish Runners, Cayugas, and Pekins.
Maddie and I visited the pond yesterday afternoon when chores were done.
I wanted to check on the ducklings.
Eight ducklings remain (one lost to a predator, I assume.)
While I sat by the pond watching the ducks,
Maddie went in for a swim.
Newfies are water dogs and much more at home in the water than they are on land.
Being 140+ pounds, Maddie has some arthritis issues that limit her land-based activities.
Swimming, on the other hand, is great exercise for her.
She glides, weightless and effortless, through the water...
no stress on her joints.
And even though the water in the pond leave much to be desired (stinky duck poo!),
I don't discourage Maddie from this activity.
She loves swimming...
unlike Oakley, the only (part) labrador I know that can't swim!
She is very courteous of the ducks and stays her distance.
Once out of the pond, a giant "shake" ensues...
covering everything in a 10 foot radius with a shower.
I have to say, Newfies are my favorite breed of dog, ever.
They are loyal and gentle and sweet natured.
They are just enormous fluff balls of love (and drool!)
Sweet, sweet Maddie!
PS....look who's sitting on another nest of eggs!
Oh my, looks like we will have another batch of ducklings very soon....
hopefully a few little white Pekins will be in that batch.
- Goodbye Methuselah
Yesterday morning when I stopped by the pond to feed the ducks,I did my usual head count.Twelve ducks were paddling around in their little circular pool of water...kept from freezing by an aerator. For seven or eight years, that head count has included...
- Tiny Miracles
Early this weekend during AM chores, I headed to the pond to put feed out for the ducks. Upon entering the duck hut, I saw Mrs. Duckles on her nest.She was hissing at me. I looked a bit closer.... she wasn't alone,no, there were several just hatched...
-
A whole year has passed since we bought our last batch of ducklings.We added a mixture (17) of Cayugas, Swedish, and Pekins to the pond;home, then, to the solitary Methuselah (Khaki Campbell drake.) Every day since the new ducks came,we go to the pond,...
- Duck, Duck, Dog
Yesterday afternoon, after chores,the dogs and I headed down to the pond to check on the ducks. They are really enjoying their pond time each day.Every morning, Methuselah, our old Campbell duck, is waiting on the shore beside the duck hut....pacing...waiting...
- New Ducks On Their Way!!
Our poor flock of Campbell ducks has slowly dwindled down to just one lone duck. We have named her Methusela because she has lived the longest. I worry that she is lonely. We feed her daily and she spends her days happily swimming on the pond...often...