The Story Behind "Buck" the Duck.

I promised that I would give an explanation.
The reason behind our recent duck purchase.
In fact, I think I need an explanation for why this happened.
So I will try.
I blame "Fritz".
We met Fritz the day before Buck came to be a part of our family.
Fritz is also a duck.
He was taking his owner for a walk in the park.
At the duck pond.
It was quite the sight.
A white duck waddling right beside a lady.
Just as I was thinking, "Hmmm...it almost looks as if that duck belongs to her", she picked him up and snuggled him close.
The kids quickly approached her, wanting to get a closer look.
They bombarded her with all kinds of questions.
Does he swim?
No, he just watches the other ducks. He doesn't know he's a duck.
Where does he sleep?
Oh, he sleeps with us.
Doesn't he poop all over.
No, he wears duck diapers.
Why of course, what a silly question kids.
Does he stay inside all day?
Oh, of course not, he has a little pen in the back yard, but he is not too thrilled with it.
This is because Fritz doesn't know he's a duck.
He thinks he's human.
At this point the duck is nuzzling this lady's neck while the kids are rubbing it's back.
I am literally thinking...CRAZY DUCK LADY!
Fast forward one day.
The kids have been talking about the duck non-stop.
C-boy is out trying to tame the hens, but quickly aborts his plan when Brewster the rooster decides to attack.
He comes in and asks if he can cut his head off with an axe.
But Brewster's newly aggressive behavior is a whole different topic.
Right now we are talking about Buck.
So we needed to buy some more chicken feed and headed to the feed store.
Lo and behold, baby ducks had just arrived.
C-boy immediately wanted one. He had five dollars burning a hole in his pocket.
The duck was $4.99.
I did say NO, initially. I really did.
But the animal loving store worker kept talking with C-boy, telling him what an amazing pet a duck makes.
I mentioned Fritz to the guy and he knew Fritz personally.
I should have known.
He then told me we could integrate the duck in with the chickens, and that the duck eats the same food as the chickens.
That's all I needed to hear.
I figured it was just like adding one more chicken to the family.
We bought the duck.
Buck, at this point, has not integrated with the chickens.
He is sleeping in our laundry room, in a giant tupperware storage bin.
All snuggled in under a cozy heat lamp.
Did I mention ducks stink.
They make a mess with their water and food.
Turning it into a soggy concoction.
I don't think I love this duck.


But, I must say, he is impossibly cute.


He loves social interaction. He's a social duck.


He enjoys a little hair nibble.


Loves him some "cheek".
I beg you not to look through J-boy's glasses.



And can't get enough "lobe".


And when he's had all the nibbling he can take.
He enjoys a little nap.


And the smile on these faces.
Is why I said YES to the duck.
But I will say this.
If your child wants a duck.
JUST SAY NO.