In January 2001, we were given a pair o’ ducks (which we promptly named Oxy & Moron.) These Khaki Campbells were once the pets of children who had grown and left home and were estimated to be about 7 yrs old. They were a joy to have and would do everything together. In their first year with us Oxy sat on and hatched a clutch of eggs resulting in 9 brown baby balls of fluff. In all the years in their old home they had never had a successful hatching despite several sittings. You do not know the meaning of “like a duck to water” unless you have seen nine 3 day old ducklings do underwater speed races in a backyard pond, only to pop up like a cork when out of breath!
In 2003 Moron, the drake, died and was buried with love in our backyard. Although Oxy had chooks for company, we were concerned that she would fret at the loss of her life long partner and acquired two more young ducks. Not long after we were given a Muscovy drake who had also lost his partner. We kept the Muscovy for a couple of years but was concerned for the well being of our obviously aging Oxy who was showing signs of arthritis and was slow to move around and would often stumble. The muscovy was much larger and more insistent than her old mate. When given the opportunity to get a young Khaki Campbell drake we gave the Muscovy to a Children’s farm and wondered how much longer we could expect Oxy to live.
To our amazement she just kept on going, albeit stumbling on her arthritic legs and becoming blind in one eye. Despite her disabilities her quack was strong and she would keep those young ‘uns in line with no problems. She learnt to conserve her energy at times like when the young ducks would run to and fro in front of their pen before finally conceding to entering, she would just wait near the door of the pen until they finally entered. I would never try and rush her or attempt to pick her up in fear she would die of a heart attack yet her inner strength was amazing. In the morning if she got in the way of the younger ducks when I opened their door they would just trample over the top of her, then when they were out she would pick herself up and follow them quacking loudly in protest at their inconsiderate treatment of their elder.
Today when I got home from work I noticed that only 3 ducks were waiting to be put to bed. I walked further into the backyard to find her lying on the ground with her head tucked against her chest, dead. As far as I can determine she went peacefully.
As far as we can estimate she was about 15 years old. It is not with sadness that I write this as I know that she has had a very long and happy life. But she will be missed.
Vale Oxy.
