A Duck Loss

We lost one of the Swedish Black hybrid ducks last night. I found her this morning outside the new duck house, wet and cold. There were no signs of disease or injury. Her crop did not feel bound. She had a good, healthy weight to her. The temperatures have been frigid, but the other fowl all seem fine- no signs of frostbite or the like. She was one of the ducks given to me by my sister last year, so there is no telling the age of her. I am hoping it was a case of old age. It is sad nonetheless.

An inspection of the rest of the flock shows everyone in good form. The chickens are nearly through molting, thankfully! And, we were gifted with another 2 eggs this morning, despite the shorter days and cold. Only one of these is usable because the other one succumbed to the cold overnight and cracked in its shell. That is my fault. Since they have not been laying through their molt, I had not been vigilant in checking the nest boxes through the day. If they are starting to lay occasionally, I shall have to return to checking for eggs throughout the day. The eggs look smallish, so I think they are perhaps some of our first pullet eggs of the season from the chicks we hatched here on the homestead. That is exciting to consider.

Sean is back from burial duty. The animals have been fed and watered. I guess it is time to shower to get ready for our morning meeting for worship. The temperatures are supposed to climb into the 40's today, so it will be a good day to give the coop and stalls a thorough clean-out this afternoon.

Thanks for visiting this morning, friends.
Sean and Sonja ♥