Cranky Molting Dinosaur

O’Malley is molting these days.

That means he likes to fight.

I think the combination of his feathers being sore, along with his worry that he will lose top alpha duck status while he molts, makes him want to challenge me all the time. He also can’t talk to me, so he gets angry when I misunderstand him and don’t do what he wants me to do.

I try to stop him and back away.

But he just keeps coming.

I try to discourage him.

But he’s persistent.

He’ll even jump over obstacles to get to me.

Once in a while he’ll pause to catch his breath.

But then it’s time to lunge, catch his talons on my legs and smack me with his wings again.

Here he is in motion.

In spite of his cranky behavior, he really is a lovable guy. Here he is sitting on my lap, telling me about his morning. Although he can be a cranky biter sometimes–especially when he’s molting–he is always a super lovable duck and I’m happy he’s my buddy.

In other news, Olly Astro’s 2nd blood work came back normal, so she’s done with antibiotics. Simon is on antibiotics for a very slight infection, and seems to be doing great. He’ll go back to the vet next Saturday for a quick re-check. Everyone else is doing great.

Happy weekend, and watch out for cranky biters.