Bob the duck flew away! But then he came home again!

I am not sure that this is normal..but our Muscovy duck 'Bob' flew off on Sunday. He goes out every day, and he flies around the house...and in the garage. But he actually went so high in the sky that I had to get my binoculars to see him! I thought for sure he would not come back.

He flew clear out of site, and towards a large open water lake. After about 5 hours he came back! I saw him flying towards the house while I was getting hay bales...and sure enough it was Bob! I called for him, and he landed. I picked him up and took him into the house. He nested against my neck as we drew him a warm bath. He played...got clean and warm, and then went to bed. He slept ALL afternoon!

We raised Bob from the moment he hatched. We spent last summer taking him to the lake and teaching him to swim (like he didnt already know). He would never leave our side, and loved going in the car. He follows us around the house, and only lives indoors because he has been recovering from an accident where the vets said he would never fly.

Anyway...we talked about clipping his wings, but I think it is such a miracle that he has healed and can fly despite what everyone had said. I know that he may not come back one day, and we dont have wild mascovies in our part of the country for him to befriend, but we can hope that he knows we are his parents, and will always be able to find his way home.

I just wanted to send this cute story about Bob.

Even if he decided to migrate with other birds, they always come back to the same area. So it is possible if he does he will be back.
That being said I doubt he will go.

He's just checking out the local activities. You know, like any young guy and the bar scene.

Speaking of ducks, I found a baby mallard on the city street that had gotten separated from its mother. It was only about 2 or three days at most. I raised it and it became the biggest pet. Every night it would spend time in the kitchen and living room with us. In the picture its making sure it gets its share of popcorn from my boyfriend Chris. Karen

That is so cute! I attached my favorite picture of Bob when he was little. My big tough brother doesn't like animals..but when Bob snuggled onto his belly they really bonded.

What happened to your duck? Do you still have him?

Here are a few more of my favorite 'Bob' pics...including our last trip to the lake this summer before it got too cold!

Playing with the cat..

Hiding under the dock from the 'people' we call them ducks..shhh...

Splish splash...

What a handsome guy....and the duck, lol! That last picture is just adorable!

I am very glad he is home safe and sound!

Those are really cute pictures of the duck, and I have to agree the guy also :)
I am seriously thinking of getting bantam ducks from Holderreads Hatchery this spring. I've had them before in my other life. My mallard hen in the picture one day flew off into the wild blue yonder. There are a lot of ponds and other mallards and Canadian geese close by, so I hope she's doing well. Karen

mcamden...doesn't bob poop in the house? how do you deal with this? my hubby wants a house goose or duck but with rugs all around it might be too much to keep clean...what's your secret? thanks...

If you look closely in the first picture I posted you can see he is wearing a diaper. For times when I give him a bath I let him run to the bathroom...and he does tend to poop, but I clean carpets all the time! I dont like keeping him in the house because he gets bored. He has to be kept in a cage most of the time because ducks/geese forage for food and will eat all kinds of things that they shouldnt!

Bob is moving outside as soon as it warms up for him. he is a tropical duck...so I will need to find out how to keep him warm next winter...but dont really want him in the house again. Ducks and geese smell HORRIBLE! There is no really good litter for them, and the preene and loose feathers every day...so I have to vacuum at minimum every two days. Anywho...we love him...but we could never keep him as a full time 'house duck'.

If you husband really wants one I would suggest buildling an outdoor area close to the house that he can let the goose in occassionally...instead of letting him out occassionally. Going out of town would be much easier that way as well. Just a thought.

Melissa