When I read the following it broke my heart, especially as I see the beautiful white pekin duck that has recently been 'dropped off' at the lake across the street from my house.
There are several different other ducks (blue swedish and others) on the lake that come frequently to my house along with the wild mallards for food that I put out. This lovely new duck comes over now too, and is friendly but extremely wary of the others and very skitterish and tending to keep to herself- not mingling with the other ducks. The larger ducks bully her and the mallards crowd her out for the food. I try my best to see that she gets some before they push her away.
I am sharing this because as adorable as ducks can be, they are really a lot of work, and are extremely messy. Sometimes people don't realize this and after they are bigger, think it a good idea to let them go with other ducks in the wild. The truth is that it is a really rough world out there with many predators and unfortunately other ducks can be really cruel to each other. I have seen some really nasty things go on with them, and it breaks my heart.
Sincerely,
Dottie
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Postcard from your duck:
Dear Mom and Dad,
This is your duck, I just wanted to send you an update since I last saw you. Remember that day you said it was time for me to be grown up and you took me to the really safe neighborhood and left me? I remember when you drove away from that strange place waving from the car, I chased after you but my legs just weren't fast enough.
I was so scared but I want to show you how good I am so you'll want to come visit me. I keep thinking I have done something wrong but I know your just really busy. I am really learning a lot so hopefully I can come home soon.
Well, my first lesson as a grown up was that all dogs aren't nice. I know our dog at home was always around so I thought I could trust this one too. I soon learned a lesson in what pain was and I thought I knew was being scared was but boy I was wrong. I learned if you stick your neck out to help someone it just might get cut off, or in my case just lose all its skin and some bones too.
I am tough though mom and dad. I don't want you to worry about me. I am a good duck, if you come back for me I promise to always be a good duck. I was hurting pretty bad but I hid from everyone. I knew you were coming back for me. I waited for three days bleeding and in pain and I am not sure why you haven't come back. I haven't gotten to eat either, but I am a good duck. When I go home with you I wont be any trouble I promise.
Its day 4 Mom and dad I tried. I did the best I could but I couldn't hold out any longer. The other ducks chased me away and I passed out from pain and starvation. I woke up in the hospital and I struggled to get back to you. I told the lady my mom is coming back for me, she promised to visit every day and feed me and take care of me. Just sending this note in case you come back and cant find me.
I sure miss you mom and dad but I think I am safe now and it sure feels good to be loved. (whatever was in that pill helped a lot too! )
Sincerely, Your Pekin
By: Jennifer Gordon