Pennsif’s Progress #572 – Last Duck Down
Today my last duck died.
He was very old and the last of five brothers who came to us as homeless muscovies about 3 years ago.
Mr Goose is now the only remaining member of the Aerial Defence Unit in charge of keeping the buzzards away from the chickens.
New recruits will be needed.
But first I must spend a few minutes to honour my fallen duck friend.
He and his four brothers were given to us, along with their lifelong friend Mr Goose, three years ago when a couple of our friends were forced to sell-up their smallholding (homestead) due to illness. They managed to sell off their more economically useful lifestock. But no one wanted five old muscovy ducks and an orphaned greylag goose.
So we gave them a home.
Alas two of them were only with us very briefly as they flew over the fence on the second day. Their previous owners had told us they didn't fly. I guess they smelt our lake a few hundred yards down the mountain.
Unfortunately they didn't stay on the water or go to the island in the middle of the lake. I guess they made a good meal for our local foxes.
The other three ducks, along with the goose, had a good life with us, guarding the chicken flock from the buzzards and kites. Two died last winter of natural causes. This last one made it to about 9 years old.
You can read more about them in one of my early contest posts on steemit - What the Muscovy Brothers would do with $50 SBD
They even featured in a YouTube video...
Farewell my duck friend - you served us well.
PROJECTS :
Five ways you can support A Dollar A Day
Pennsif's Sustainability Curation Digest for MSP - week ending 19 August 2018
BLOGS :
Pennsif’s Progress #573 – I go out to dine every day, and it doesn't cost me a penny
Pennsif’s Progress #574 – The apples are coming & my dog loves blackberries
RADIO :
The Alternative Lifestyle Show - Friday 24 August - guests @richardcrill, @lindseylambz, @rhondak, @the.foodini & @djlethalskillz
My Life In 8 Songs - 23 August 2018 - @luzcypher, @prc & @inthenow [recording]
[ photograph & video by pennsif ]
I'm so sorry to hear you lost your duck friend.
He now has an amazing tribute to his life, though <3
So sorry for the loss of an old friend. He will live on in immortality on the blockchain. Bless his little muscovy heart. Now the poor old goose will need company guarding the chickens.
So sad. RIP Duck
Wow, nine years - that sounds pretty grand (I have no idea what a Muscovy's normal life span is). I salute you, No. 5, for the brave work you put into being a diligent part of the Aerial Defense Unit team.
Rest well, Sir, and I hope you have found your brothers once again.
Aw, my condolences about your duck friend! :( I wouldn't have thought about ducks for aerial defense, but it makes sense. Geese, yeah, I would have imagined that. 😉 He was a good duck, indeed
The death of any animal is a sad one, but always the farmers dilema too.. Name it and get attached or keep it for the table?
Good on you for having them.