Well you know what they say, start with an engaging first sentence, so here goes .. Have you ever heard of a duck in love with a chicken?
I have and now that I've got you hanging on my every word, I shall begin.
My newly single bachelor Drake was in unconditional love with one of the Light Sussex pullets. I say 'was' because its not exactly the Shrek Happy-Ever-After any of us were hoping for, including the previously loved-up couple. I sold the pullet yesterday. Before I am inundated with emails exclaiming how cold-hearted I am - it was actually pretty hard for me as well, I even had my Mother telling me to keep her because we couldn't deal with more heart-break! ..
But the next day she left for her new home with her 3 other friends. She wasn't particularly fussed, and I'd never tell him this but I think their relationship was definitely a one-way street #awkward .. But I won't taint the vision of this beautiful romance! He probably now dreams of his summer fling, strolling around the orchard with the other three always, 3rd, 4th and 5th wheeling (but you know in the world of chickens, monogonmy is never really a thing). If he ever saw her in trouble, like an AA advert '[he'd] be there' yet always causing a melodramatic scene!
Finally it came to their good-byes, I caught each pullet one by one to put in the big shed overnight.. Suddenly it was her turn. The duck, true to form, ran out and followed me all the way up the garden, it was all too emotional. So I picked him up too; he stayed with them until the morning. When the sun rose, Olivia and I were mentally prepared for the departure and subtly removed him (although he was less subtle)!
He's now attached himself to my other group of Light Sussex, who seem less than impressed with the new comer ... side note - he flew into the window today. He's alright though.
Must find him a real duck friend, that is my next mission.