Gardens through the seasons

25 Sep '08 3:56 am

Thanks to both Mary and Jack for responses to my dithering post. To Mary, I agree that a little "assistance" may be needed, but not as far as adding heaters. I called my friend who raises all kinds of ducks and chickens yesterday and she reassured me that the mama duck will be able to take care of the babies just fine even in winter. All she suggested was that I put a protective barracade over that corner of the stall so the horse won't disturb her once she starts sitting on the nest. Also, thanks for being such a caring friend. We have come through this hurricane season with no problems. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Texas. Ike devastated the coastal areas and did a pretty good number even as far in as Houston. The western end of the Louisiana coast suffered significant tide surge and flooding, but nothing like what happened three years ago with Katrina.

Jack, I can imagine how exciting it is for you to be passing one more milestone toward full retirement. It will be hard at first to "let go" of all the things you truly enjoyed about teaching; but before long you will get into the swing of retirement and will wonder how you ever had time for a full-time job.

25 Sep '08 3:48 pm

Never one to duck a quandry. When I think of all the fat I've trimmed off of ducks it is hard to imagine them suffering too greatly anywhere in the southerly state of Alabama. Duck heaters hey? You know they make ceramic electric 'bulbs' which put out almost no light but lots of heat - possibly dangerous if they're vigorous nesters though. For the little finches I used to keep, heat and electolytes was the key to saving a sick one.

I assume you are raising them as pets rather than with culinary intentions. Duck and lamb are both Lia and my favorite main courses. I'm sure they make good pets too but they do go so well with Muscat grapes and figs. There are just too many good things to do with ducks!

Lia had pet ducks whose eggs she used to trade with the Thai restaurant down the street for credit toward dinner. Every night she would walk around clapping her hands until they all got in line and followed her into the pen. She had a little kiddie pool they would swim around in and the one male would mount each and every female enthusiatically. Sadly they disappeared when the city bulldozed down our fence when they put in the park. Claimed it was over the property line. You'd think they'd at least give you warning. I suspect they became meals for the local homeless or cats.

Ok, gotta waddle on. I probably shouldn't have opened my bill about how tasty they are but that is the first thing I think about with ducks.

26 Sep '08 7:40 am

Well, Mark, I know there are those in this world who can be sensible about farm animals, I'm just not one of them. I have to admit that the thought did cross my mind that if we get overrun with ducks, that might be an option. Unfortunately, I would have to import an executioner because I know I couldn't do it and I don't think my spouse would either. Eating the eggs is an option, however. I understand duck eggs are much richer than chicken eggs.

I suppose if I got hungry enough, I might come up with the backbone to kill one of the ducks; however, as long as I have vegies in the garden, I'd rather become a vegetarian. I used to be able to herd mine into the pen at night, but they got wise and won't allow that now. They may regret that decision if the coyotes come sniffing around this winter.l

Gardens through the seasons

Duck quandary

MInd if I wade in?

Eat my ducks?!!!!