We went calling the other evening – down the road a couple of miles to Betsy and Mark’s place.  They have two new fuzzy little ducklings and we went to make their acquaintance.  I’ve never actually seen that proverbial barrel of monkeys, but I can’t imagine that they’d be any more fun!
     These little darlings are called Swedish Blacks and right now they are black and yellow.  When their feathers come in, they’ll be black and white.  Their legs are toothpick skinny, their feet are about five times too big, and their wings (which they flap frequently) are so small as to be non-existent.  But mostly, they are busy.  Very busy.
     Usually, they live in the shower which is lined with newspaper to make clean-up even easier.  (Ducks are prize poopers which is definitely a consideration of adoption.)  They have a paint tray full of water in there and they happily paddle (and poop) when left to their own devices.  Until they get the hang of it, baby ducklings can drown Betsy told me, so the paint tray is perfect.  They can always touch bottom.
     When we arrived, they were outside in a little makeshift pen, waddling and quacking and having a great time.  We got to transfer them to a wading pool and, as long as there we lifeguards were present, they could practice swimming in water way over their heads.  They are just learning to dive and to swim under water.  So cute.  But sort of exhausting to watch.  They have not yet learned the fine art of placidly floating on the surface, looking serene and purposeful.  Right now they are all about busy.
     After being towel-dried, the ducklings were taken inside where Betsy quacked up and down the hallway and the two little ducks dutifully followed.  Bonding practice.  It was hysterical – and not altogether a perfect demonstration of obedience.  But, after all, they were only four or five days old.  I wanted to tell them “The Story About Ping” – Kurt Weise’s cautionary tale about the little duckling that would not mind.  But I didn’t think they were old enough to get it.
     As much as we adore our little chicks – who actually are more at the gawky teenaged stage now – I have to say that ducks are way more fun.   And, they eat slugs!!  But, it’s the trade-off – poop or slugs?  Definitely on my “Things to Ponder” list.  Oh, and did I mention that this is a “pair” – a male and a female?  Maybe by the time they are ready to hatch a family, we will have reached the fowl decision.