On the other side of the Polar Vortex and stepping into Spring with extensive mud attached to my boots, the start of 2018 has been an interesting affair for Chicken Corner and other farm friends. In the early winter months Chicken Corner has faced the Beast from the East, an avian bird flu scare as well as a few uplifting sunny days..
With the majority of Chicken Corner happy and healthy, it comes with a heavy heart to announce the death of my grey call duck; beloved friend to my white call duck who, if I’m honest, has let herself go a bit to say the least. We’re not sure what ended her life but Olivia found her face down in the grass still breathing, so brought her inside to recover, but she didn’t make it to the next morning. The news hit the white duck the hardest as she came to terms with the fact that her only “friend” was a disinterested drake. On a day to day basis, a convoy unfolds as she waddles after the male while he pursues the frizzle Pekin hen... I don’t think he will ever recover from ‘duck who thinks he’s a chicken’ disorder, along with its devastating effects. Honestly, it’s a crushing situation to witness.
As the female’s current priority is desperately following the drake around the farmyard, hygiene has simply gone out of the window. It could be a symptom of grief as she used to spend hours with her grey companion splashing about in various washing-up bowls and flower pots… Its just such a shame to see her crystal white feathering slowly turning to a brownish hue; and, whats worse, she doesn’t quack any more (because there’s no one there to call to). Fun/(potentially upsetting) Fact: Why are they named ‘Call ducks’? Well, its due to their extremely loud quack which people use to locate them in the wild. It seems that her natural characteristic has ceased to exist – its all too emotional to bear!
In light of this information, I decided to expose her to the water once again. I picked her up and placed her in the bowl, pouring water over her and allowing her to splash about. And didn’t she just (pardon the pun) take like a duck to water?! It was an incredible moment in history – enhanced by Olivia’s sentimental words “she hasn’t looked this happy for months.” Observing from afar, it has become clear that the two remaining waterfowl are fundamentally different; although they say opposites attract – its not the case here. Taking inspiration from one of those ever-popular home decor signs, the male literally waits for the storm to pass (whilst standing under the shepherd’s hut) and the female dances in the rain (mostly looking for slugs)… metaphorically speaking, I wouldn’t say she’s grabbing life with both paddled-feet but she’s certainly making the most of the rain.
The question is, (and I hope you’ll be able to help me answer): Do we get her a more compatible companion; male or a female?
Bye chicks x
Written: 27th March 2018
