New Friends at the New Home
This morning we boarded a ferry for Whidbey Island to transport Sam & Lily to their new forever home.
After a quick ride…
…we arrived on the island.
Their forever home isn’t far from the ferry terminal… about ten miles or so. We drew up some simple background information and instructions for Sam & Lily, so their new humans would know all about them. We also took Lily’s nest with us so she can settle in tonight. Sam goes wherever Lily goes, so that’ll be a comfort to him, too.
Lily started off by looking for bugs.
Sam surveyed the pool and inspected the perimeter to take a count of all animals in the vicinity (he’s a pretty serious duck). Once he had the lay of the land, he started making friends.
Their new home has a silver appleyard girl duck just like them. Here you can see Sam checking her out. Her name is Clay. That’s Lily’s butt up close on the right. Clay clearly has Sam’s attention though.
With Lily distracted by some corn treats, Sam could make his move on Clay. Check out the teenager duck on the right as well. That’s Clay’s kid. We think she’s a girl. She was hatched and raised by a chicken, and is just now learning to be a duck.
I think her name is Chuck (chicken and duck).
In addition to Clay and Chuck, there are some chickens and some new additions to the feathered family.
“You’re a funny looking duck.”
“I’m a turkey.”
“Oh.”
I’ve vowed to return to visit that cute turkey when s/he grows up, and to check in on Sam & Lily too. Their new home also includes a few cats and dogs, and two humans who are both high school teachers.
After a goodbye hug from Lily, I was on my way. In this photo you can see the string system above the entire yard that keeps the ducks safe from eagles and hawks. They’ll also have a predator-proof night pen. It’s a good set-up and we’re happy that Lily & Sam have a big family including some silver appleyards just like them.
Their new home has promised to send updates and photos in the future so we can keep track of how they’re doing. I feel really good about their new home and know they’ll do well there. It always makes it easier to say goodbye when you find the right home.
Best of luck, Sam & Lily. You be good and take care. I love you!
XOXOX
13 Comments
“You’re a funny-looking duck.” That made me laugh out loud!
I’m so happy Lily and Sam’s home was everything you’d hoped for. Must be a great relief to you to know they’ll be safe, happy and in good company. Good job!!
Next time you’re up here, come visit us!!
One of my problems is that I project too many human feelings on animals, that makes this transition so hard for me, for Lily and Sam if you like, I don’t like changes and they both seemed so happy and well looked after at your place.
But looking at this report I think they have found a wonderful new home.
Looks like they’ve belonged there all the time.
I think they will be happy and find new routines quickly, ducks are very adaptable and will settle soon. Another happy ending:-) These kids future looked very bleek before they came to you, thank you for taking such good care fo them.
I’m looking forward to be hearing from them again, just like Eddie, Juno, Bruiser and Frank. I hope all are happy kids at their new homes.
Why was Cluck hatched and raised by a chicken instead of Clay?
Good Luck to Lily and Sam in their new home and hugs to you Tiffany.
That last photo makes me teary-eyed. I can see the emotion in your face. I know you will miss them, Tiff, and I will miss hearing about them.
But overall I’m thrilled that they have an excellent forever home. After all they’ve been through, we couldn’t have asked for a happier ending. Three cheers for Sam, Lily, Treat Lady, and Forever Humans!!!
How nice of you to write up the background and instructions.
Hatched and raised by a chicken?? Oh, I’m going to need more explanation on that. LOL.
I’m curious how the string system keeps out hawks, etc.
Looks like they are going to have a great time with their new friends!
I’m with Dawn. Especially the part about the last picture. ::sniff sniff::
I’m glad to see they have a great looking forever home! That picture of you hugging Lilly goodbye is so bittersweet. sniff sniff indeed.
As an aside, the funny looking duck that is telling the funny looking turkey it’s funny looking, is a crested duck! Yay for crested ducks. They’re so silly.
Kelly: Strings keep out raptors because they prefer to dive and swoop in to catch prey. They also want a clear escape route. If they can’t open their wing span they won’t go through it.
Carrie: Yep, it’s a cute little crested guy. I’m not fond of people breeding crested ducks because there are way too many bad genes associated with crests. They have a much higher incidence of neurological problems and other genetic abnormalities unfortunately.
I am so happy for them, even though this is a time of mixed emotions for those of us who have come to know and love Sam and Lily.
Is Chewy pining away for his lost crush, Lily?
Chewy seems to be just fine. I think he enjoys not having to look over his shoulder for Sam the steam engine coming his way.
Great Job!!!! I read this blog every day because you do so much to help our feathered family….thank you…
Wow, their new home sounds awesome. I love the name chuck for the teenager duck for chicken and duck. What a riot. I’m so excited about their new home and new buddies. I’m sure that Sam will have that Clay in the palm of his hand – I mean the web of his foot.
I guess Chuck is kind of like Tarzan, Lord of the Chickens