Toony Update
Petunia Peach was injured in the raccoon attack on Tuesday at 1pm that killed Georgie.
Many people have asked how she’s doing since then, and the truth is… I’m just not sure.
Both Petunia and O’Malley don’t want to come out of their pen. O’Malley isn’t injured, he’s just traumatized and depressed. Because they’re both not acting normally, it’s difficult to tell how much of Petunia’s behavior is fear and how much is a symptom of her injuries.
Petunia has stitches for a bite wound on her shoulder, and her wings are damaged but should recover. The problem is that she has yellow urates with a bit of blood. That could be a sign of internal injuries or infection.
I took her back to the vet today for blood work and we’ll have the results on Monday. I’m hoping the results are good, and that she continues to improve. She could have an infection, or worse… she could have internal injuries. She is on new antibiotics as of today.
I really cannot tell if she’s getting worse or getting better. Please keep her in your thoughts.
In other news, we have 2 traps open during the daytime to catch the day raccoon. Because s/he returned the next day, the ducks are terrorized by that raccoon. We don’t want to catch just any animals, but definitely that one killer daytime raccoon.
Unfortunately last night we accidentally caught the opossum that lives in the yard.
He had to spend the day in the trap until the company I hired came to release him. I saw him released on Flapper cam and he scurried on his way, happy to be set free. Opossums can be a threat to duck eggs and sometimes ducks, but generally don’t cause a problem if you have predator-proof night pens.
Since our ducks are not safe even during the daytime now, we’ll be building a very large predator-proof pen so they can again enjoy the yard and pools but be safe from predators. This will take some time, but we’re almost ready to start thinking about it. Thanks to everyone for your offers of help and advice.
Losing Georgie has been very hard on me and the ducks, and everyone out there who cared for her. I owe her a fitting memorial soon, but I’m not quite ready to say goodbye yet… even though she’s already gone. So bear with me for a while longer, and thanks again for all the support.
16 Comments
We all wish you the best recovery Toony! I KNOW you will make it through ok!
Georgie, your attitude and beauty will live on forever. Its not goodbye its see ya later.
Petunia looks very tired and exhausted
And that picture of Georgie is very nice, especially how she looks over Malley.
Honestly, I’ve been checking few times a day for any updates in this blog, and finally they are, good to hear
I hope everyone recovers soon
Oh and, It’s Christmas + New year soon, and let’s hope the new year is going to have less sad news than this one did
I’m so sorry to see Petunia this way, it breaks my heart. But scovies are strong birds and I hope she is just being quiet out of fear (that’s bad enough by itself) and not suffering from internal injuries. I’m sending posivite vibes and I’ll keep Petunia and all the others (and yourself) in my prayers.
I’m not surprised to learn that Malley and Petunia are so frightened, scovies are very sensitive birds, strong and hard headed too, but also very sensitive to change and danger. On the odd occasion that I had to handle one of my ducks (and they always protest) all the others are on alert, they get nervous, on guard and start make a lot of noise. If they hear a dog in the neighborhood they all stand still, don’t move and wait till it is over. It will take a while before Malley and the others will feel safe and relaxed again, but I am convinced they can, and will.
This ordeal has really shaken me up too. I remember from when my ducks were killed by a fox my whole world shook, not only because I lost them, also for not knowing how to protect the others from these dangers. It’s like your peaceful paradise is being invaded.
I hope Petunia will recover quickly and everyone can once again enjoy life in Flapper’s yard. Best wishes for everyone, I’m right here if you need me.
Georgie isn’t gone, Tiff. She’s always gonna be with you in your heart.
The photo of Petunia was taken weeks ago in the sunshine, so don’t read too much into her expression.
Tiffany, I have been thinking of you all week, and including you and your duckies in my prayers. You are a good mom to all of your animals, and they love you. I know this is hard, but just know that we are all thinking of you guys!
P.S. Everyone is jealous when I wear my MrFlapper.com shirt!!
Again, I am so sorry this happened. Thinking about you and your ducks, wishing you the best in the future and always looking forward to reading about the ducks.
I know people in Florida will screen in their backyards (with pools). I haven’t a clue how much that might cost, nor if it would work well in the PNW area.
Still thinking about you and your family.
my condolances can’t wait to see
the new area for the ducks
I’ve been thinking of you guys a lot this week, too, hoping that you’re hanging in there. No words can express how sorry we are this happened, but hoping that time will ease your pain and the feathered babes’ pain, too.
You are always in my thoughts, Toonie. Stay strong.
I never met Georgie in person (in duck), but her loss has affected me greatly. She was beautiful and clearly the Queen of the Yard. We’re all grieving with you, Tiff.
I have to say though despite the sorrow, that oppossum looks pretty funny in that cage. I’m sure since he’s had free access to that yard and area, he is probably wondering what the heck he was doing in that cage. LOL
Let’s hope that cage will catch the killer raccoon and soon.
I hope Petunia will be alright… I’m rooting for the cute little lady!
I can’t stop thinking about the Opossum. I know you plan to enclose your entire yard, but in the mean time please do not underestimate the opossum.
He has the same agenda as the raccoon and will also hunt during the day, perhaps before your very eyes.
My ducks saw the nonchallent Opossum so often they ignored him. Took naps in front of him so I saw no worry! I remember telling my friend that Opossums only eat eggs. Wrong!
One day the Opossum pretended to be slowly passing by and took down a full sized duck! Worse, he had no fear of screaming humans and only let the duck go because the noise surprised him. Like your raccoon, he refused to leave the scene even after the duck was rescued!
Luckily, ducks make amazing recoveries and I have confidence that your Petunia will bounce completely back. Do check her wounds often and VERY closely for maggots. This is the worry with duck wounds. If a fly even LOOKS interested in her, get her back to the vet because that is a huge clue that she needs the doctor again asap.
My ducks are not unprotected anymore at any time, so do not worry. I don’t underestimate the opossum, I just am not prepared to kill a bunch of animals randomly. Petunia had stitches for her wounds, and they have healed. She seems to be doing well. The only worry is if she had internal injuries. Those may not be so easy to heal. So far so good.