MY JOURNEY OF PASSION - PHOTOGRAPHY PART 14

Nothing is more adorable than photographing babies, no matter what they are... humans, cats, dogs, pigs, ducks, or birds. At an early age they seem to develop their own little personality.  

A written and visual story about Daffy the rescued duckling...

On the 27th of September 2014 a neighbour delivered an abandon day old duckling to our door. Daffy was found wandering under their pet Donkey Marvin, who is also a rescue animal. My heart rejoiced and sank at the same time. I knew how adorable they were having done this before, but also knew how much hard work it is to raise a single duckling. The need warmth and lots of attention as they do not enjoy being alone. The moment we laid eyes on Daffy we fell in love with the little ball of fluff.  

I noticed that Daffy had splayed legs, and was very puffy, her body felt spongy, and perhaps mother duck abandon her because she was weak and slow. The next morning Daffy was no better she appeared to have got worse and could not stand on her legs, she could only skate and looked like a round ball. I did some research on the internet and by 1 am the next morning I finally found an answer. Daffy had a ruptured air sac.  Air was building up in her body pushing her legs out, the pressure was making it difficult for her to move.

The only way to help Daffy, who was pretty uncomfortable by this time was to take a needle and prick the skin so the air could escape and the rupture could heal. Easier said than done, I was terrified that I was going to kill this poor little thing.  I knew that if I did not release the pressure she would die anyway. Holding Daffy securely, I held my breath, my heart was thumping as I said a prayer and pushed the needle into the skin just under her wing. The air rushed out and Daffy's body returned to a semi normal state. I did not expect to find Daffy alive the next morning. 

We woke to a happier duckling standing on her own two feet. It was such a relief. During the day the air built up again and I had to pop her one more time, since then she has never looked back and aside from a limp, which is probably unrelated, she is a happy healthy, cuddly duck. She is a real character, loved and spoiled.  She is a wild duck and we know that Daffy may leave home one day. It will break our hearts but we won't keep her locked up, she is free to go or stay. Our biggest fear is duck shooting season in New Zealand, (something I do not understand as a bird and animal lover) we hope and pray that she stays with us for her own safety. 

If Daffy decides to leave we will be left with thousands of adorable photos to remind us how much joy a rescued animal no matter what it is, can bring into your life. When Daffy is around it is hard not to laugh, smile, or just feel warm and fuzzy inside as you sit and watch her going about her daily business...

Enjoy the images and the short video clip of Daffy our adorable cuddly rescued duck who is now two months old and a huge part of our bird family at "Tranquillity".

Daffy's arrival day 27th September 2014. 
Notice in the image on the right - splayed legs that got worse by the next day.

There are no words to describe how amazing this little rescued duckling makes every one that comes into contact with her feel.

Wonderful to see people especially children interacting with Daffy

Daffy catching hail stones, look closely you can see one in her mouth.

Daffy 2nd December 2014

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Daffy grew so much in just 5 weeks. Here a handful, on the left, less than a hand full

At 5 weeks old Daffy is more than a handful.

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