I will always remember this summer as the "summer of no sleep."
WAKE UP!!! QUACK!
When we got our baby ducks back in May the mommy in my brain kicked in. I started waking up in the night to check on the little ones to make sure they were okay, had food/water, and were safe from our cats. When they got bigger it took FOREVER to get our outdoor duck pen built and I'd wake up to make sure the ducks didn't escape their too small for them pen in the kitchen and poop everywhere. When we finally moved them outside, paranoia they'd get killed in the night kicked in and I'd wake up at dawn to check on them and let them out to free range. I saw so many sunrises this summer. It was horrible. I hate sunrises and being up early.
Good Morning Mommy!
So far our duck pen has been predator proof. I put a security camera on the duck pen and I've been watching it at night. I've seen raccoons and possums try to get in but fail each time. I finally have peace of mind. The babies are all grown up and I'm not worried about them anymore.
It's crazy what subconscious worries can do to your sleep schedule. My husband tells me "Your a mommy." And he's right. When I had my daughter it was the same. When we first got each of our 5 cats it was the same. I worry and sleep less out of the need to take care of my "kids" (human and animal).
It's not an easy job being a mom but I think I've done a good job with all 10 of my babies (1 toddler, 5 cats, and 4 ducks). Somehow I've managed to give them all the attention they need so they all seem happy and I still retain my sanity.
Why aren't you up at dawn to feed me treats anymore Mommy?
Once a mommy always a mommy. There is always something to keep us worried. I don't think I have had a good night's sleep in 40 years! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
You're a good mom. One would think ducks take care of them selves but they really need help when they are babies. You remember I even cut the food into bite sized pieces since they didn't have the teeth or strength to even bite lettuce. I was up in the middle of the night to check on them too.
I can't believe you don't like sunrises. haha, me too. I wish the sun would rise when I wake up, at anytime. ^^
Love that wide-angle beak photo of Sammy. She does look like a trouble maker!
As for no new "babies," I still think you need a big puppy. A lab could sleep outside and preditors would think twice about entering his yard. Get him used to the cats and ducks early and he'll protect them :-)
That beautiful and large peaks are hahaha, I like to see them.
I hope there are more days like this, so you can rest a little more.
I found your story humorous.
Lovely Post, lovely ducks, well done Mommy. Resteemed to spread the word.
They are are so cute!