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Issue 26: February 2007

In This Issue:

  Majestic Kittens Bridget
and Timmerlane
  Frostbite
  Metal Detector Needed
  Recommended Reading:
El Pequeno Ganso Verde
(The Little Green Goose)
  Pekin Duck Mini-Clock
  Get to Know Your Predators:
The Opossum
  Reader Poll #26
  Results of Reader Poll #25
 

Pekin Duck Mini-Clock!

We ordered a handful of these Pekin mini clocks as holiday gifts for a few of our duck-loving friends. This fantastic Alarm Clock is in the shape of a super cute, happy duck, and it is bound to make a great gift! It is a solid piece of high quality metal (no plastic) with a white and orange enamel finish. The compact clock and alarm settings are recessed into the back of the duck.

You can order this and other delightful clocks at MiniClocks.com. Their customer service is exceptional. When placing your order tell them Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary referred you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get to Know Your Predators: The Opossum

The Opossum weighs in anywhere between 4 and 12 pounds depending on gender.  Opossums are nocturnal and are generally interested in eggs, but they will take a duckling and even an adult duck if the conditions are right—if they are hungry enough. 

Opossums are nocturnal and can often be deterred with motion sensor lights or a good dog. Pick up eggs daily to avoid luring them in.

Reader Poll #26

Question: What behavioral problem(s) are you currently experiencing with your waterfowl?
(Check as many as you like)

Attacking humans
Attacking other waterfowl
Attacking other animals
Not going in shelter at night
Escaping pen/enclosure
Making too much noise
Pulling feathers
Not coming out of the water
Other (Please describe below)

Voting Has Closed.
Please see next issue for results.

Results of Reader Poll #25

What would you like to accomplish in 2007?
 

Build a new/better enclosure 15%
Acquire more geese/ducks 18%
Resolve a predator problem 24%
Learn more about waterfowl 10%
Build a new/better pond 13%
Downsize my flock 10%
Help waterfowl in need 10%
 

Contact Us

Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary
17 Barker Road
Lebanon, CT 06249
directorATmajesticwaterfowl.org

Our Newsletter

The Majestic Monthly is published 12 times per year. Back issues can be obtained online from our Newsletter Archives.

Majestic Kittens Bridget and Timmerlane

This summer Majestic embarked upon a two kitten rescue. The Link family adopted two kittens from our local humane society and brought them out to our duck barn. We placed Bridget and Timmerlane in their own kennel in clear view of our feathered friends. This gave the girls time to get used to the sight of ducks, and it gave the ducks time to adjust to their newest flock members.

Although the kittens receive plenty of human interaction; the bulk of their days are spent in the company of the flock. They are bonded with the ducks and think of them as part of their family group and the ducks have similarly become very accustomed to the presence of their new pen mates.

It didn’t take long for the ducks to realize they have the upper hand in this new situation (the geese never doubted it). We laughed when we saw Riddles, our adoptable little Indian Runner, chase after Timmerlane after her curiosity brought her in a bit too close for his comfort. Balance between ducks and kittens was obtained within a few weeks and we are currently thrilled to see Bridget looping her tail around Winston as she brushes against him.

As the kittens grew, we installed three pet doors and multiple catwalks to give them access to all areas of the barn and outdoor enclosures.

The girls have been introduced to our sanctuary to do very important work. They will help defend the flock against the occasional food-thieving rodent or squirrel that happens through the pens or barn looking for a free meal. The growing cats are also an excellent deterrent against weasels. In addition to their hunting tasks, the girls spend plenty of their days chasing one another throughout the pens, lounging around on the roofs of duck houses and nestling in the hay for naps.


Frostbite

Frostbite is a real hazard for domestic ducks and geese during freezing cold temperatures. Feet and bills are vulnerable to extreme cold and real damage can be done if they are not properly protected.

Although ducks and geese control the blood circulation to their legs and feet in order to avoid the loss of too much heat, there is only so much their bodies can do when the elements grow too harsh. The appearance of black areas on their feet is a clear indicator that your bird is most likely suffering from frostbite.

Waterfowl with frostbite need to be brought to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible. Treatment often involves the cutting away of damaged tissues and sometimes even a partial amputation.

Prevention is the key when it comes to the cold elements. Trust your instincts—if you think it’s too cold out for them and you see ice forming on their feathers, or ice encroaching in on your pond, this can be a clear sign that your waterfowl need to spend more time in the comfort of their barn or shed. Also, if you see flock members spending too much time sitting on top of their feet and not moving, it is advisable to bring them into a cozy barn or shed where they can meander around a bit. Use your good judgment and control the time they spend outside. For their protection, it is best to keep your feathered friends inside during freezing rain, ice storms and single digit (or below) temperatures.

Thank you to Michelle for the photograph of the rescued Muscovy duck.


Metal Detector Needed

Do you or someone you know have a metal detector lying around unused? Consider donating it to Majestic to help us routinely examine our grounds for foreign metal objects. Your donations are tax deductible! Please contact us at directorATmajesticwaterfowl.org if you can be of assistance.


Recommended Reading*


|
Ordering information |

Book Has Both English & Spanish Language Text

El Pequeno Ganso Verde
(The Little Green Goose)

By Adele Sansone

The lone gander on a farm longs to be a father. After all the hens refuse to donate an egg for him to care for, the farmhouse dog finds a large, apparently abandoned egg, which the gander adopts. The small dinosaur that hatches is perfectly happy with his gander "mother" until the chicks point out that the two of them look nothing alike. And thus begins the baby's search for his "real" mother.

 

* For our full recommended reading list, click here. If you order from Amazon by way of our website, Majestic receives a portion of the proceeds!
       Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with any guidance provided on this website. Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state or municipal law or regulation with which such guidance may conflict. Any guidance is general in nature. In addition, the assistance of a qualified professional should be enlisted to address any specific circumstances.
 

© Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary 2007