My four ducks- Jemima, Zeana, Ping, and Peep- are a non-stop source of entertainment. Since spring set in I have been letting the birds free range in the yard, where they scavenge for bugs and tasty plants. The chickens have been especially industrious scratching up dirt alongside the house and under bushes and trees. The ducks tend to gravitate towards the compost pile and the ponds. They are eager to socialize, and inevitably will end up on the back porch of the house, peering in through the glass doors to see what we’re up to inside.
Who they’re really looking for is Daphne the dog. The ducks have been around Daphne since they were only two days old. When they were babies Daphne showed a maternal interest in them, begging to go into the garage several times a day to check on them. She still reminds me every morning when it’s time to go up to feed the birds and let them out. Anytime Daphne goes outside the ducks eventually find her and start following her around.
My very vocal mallard Peep has developed a particularly special relationship with Daphne. Lately Peep has been experiencing some rejection from his duck family. The larger mallard, Ping, has claimed both female Pekin ducks for himself. Especially when they are near water and desiring to mate, Ping will often chase Peep away. When this happens Peep goes looking for his dog-mother Daphne. If Daphne is sitting peacefully in the yard, Peep will come pecking at her tail or back, provoking her to play. Soon they will be chasing each other around the yard like two puppies.
Sometimes I get concerned that Daphne might get too rough with Peep, but when I watch them together it’s obvious that she is playing and not hunting. Also, Peep has the advantage of being able to fly, which helps him get out of Daphne’s reach. And Peep is always the instigator.
Yesterday my neighbor spied the dog taking the ducks along for a walk up the road. I will need to keep a closer eye on this adventurous family to make sure they don’t wander off the property next time. Still, I can imagine how entertaining it must have been to see them all marching along in a waddling line.
I am including a little video of Daphne and Peep playing together.
Angie Gustafson 