11-11-11

Some folks say that 11 is a lucky number. Well then, yesterday should have won the triple crown of good luck days.
It was a good fortune day for two little Chocolate India Runner Ducks named Pixie and Tootsie. As sad as I was to say goodbye to the little girls I'd been interacting with daily for the past 5 months, I was very happy to have found such a perfect home for them.
Dwayne, a young father who works at Chet's Seed store in Richland Center, agreed to take them in. He raises Runner Ducks and has a wonderful setup for them. He also has 2 young sons who really love ducks and are eager to help their dad take care of them.

They couldn't have been cuter when they first arrived. Their bills and webbed feet were like the finest deep chocolate leather. They never really liked being around people, although Phillip, who has the most remarkable way with wildlife, was able to get Pixie to stand on his hand.

Originally we had 3. Snickers, the largest and self-proclaimed big sister, lost her head this past September. They stayed close to each other all the time, and I wonder if they'll continue to do so when they are with others at their new home.

They did venture out onto the snow, but quickly waddled back into their little house to snuggle close together. They were braver about the snow than the chickens were.
Now they'll have a large shed with a deep bed of straw to snuggle into. They'll have two little boys who will adore them. They'll live out their short lives, 3-4 years, doing what ducks do with access to food, water, and other ducks, and without the fear of predators. They may become moms!
So goodbye, Pixie and Tootsie. I'll deeply miss hearing your laughter out there near the potting shed. I'll miss tucking you in at night. Happy lucky new life.