Muscovy Boys Debut
We picked up Rex & Turk this morning and brought them straight to the vet for a quick fecal test. I didn’t think they had any parasites, but I wanted to be 100% sure before putting them out near my own ducks. They tested negative for everything (yay!) and now they’re free to share space with my kids.
Rex has a lot to talk about from his adventurous week. He told me all about the goats and the dogs and the chickens. He even joked about the kid that Turk tackled.
Turk is the strong, silent type. He played coy when I asked him about his adventures. I suspect Turk is very sensitive. He has a few scrapes on his caruncle, and he was very wary about letting me close-enough to put salve on them. But I made slow, steady movements and he sat very still and let me put salve on his sore caruncle. He sat still the entire time like he knew it was good for him. He makes me a little sad. He’s had a tough time in life.
Rex is a nibbler and a lovable nerd. He definitely gets up in your face. Turk stays back and is quieter. I don’t think he cares much for Rex. I think even though Turk attacks, he does it out of fear. He looks to me like he’s had some sad, scary times in his past.
They’re both safe and settled now, and they enjoyed a good meal. The plan is to rotate them into space when my ducks aren’t there, since muscovy drakes don’t really get along with other ducks. So for today they’re in O’Malley & Petunia’s night pen. Tonight they’ll move into O’Malley & Petunia’s aviary. After a few days they could probably have the run of the yard when I’m not around, though they’d be at a little risk for raccoons. It’s safer than their previous home (less animals and kids) and much, much safer than the park. But we’re still thinking about it. We’ll see how they do penned up for awhile first.
I think they’ll enjoy the peace and quiet here for a few weeks while we find them a good forever home. They deserve some rest and relaxation.
Special thanks again to the family who tried to take them in. We’re sorry it wasn’t a good fit, and happy to take them back.
7 Comments
I’m uncertain about the yard. o.O
Embrace uncertainty, Angela. It’s all around you.
Are you thinking about finding two different homes for the boys, seeing as they don’t seem to get along well?
I’m glad they have you to come back to.
It’s possible they would do best in two separate homes, yes. I haven’t spent enough time with them yet to say for sure.
They probably have had some scary times, but all is right now that they’re with the best duckie foster mom ever. You’ll find some good forever humans, I’m sure.
Have they mouthed off to Malley yet?
I wish these troubled boys all the best and the perfect forever home(s)! Hugs, kisses, and peas, Rex and Turk.
Sounds like Turk has been justified in his attacks, being scared and all. Maybe some time with your backyard will help him to settle down. It’s also great they were disease free.