Ducks.

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I don't think I mentioned?  My source of chicken eggs, and occasional duck eggs, has a... problem.  One of his duck hens went broody.  Sixteen little surprises have hatched.  These aren't meat ducks, however.  Eggs it seems.  He was looking to sell a few.  I... have doubts, fears.  I asked a lot of questions.

In one way I was a very hard sell.  A lot of rather direct questions.  I was already almost sold, on the other hand.  An easy sale, after more information.  I won't be taking possession until my return.  I need to clear and clean one of the outhouses, perhaps build nesting boxes, cut an opening and put in at least one window, get a kiddie pool and feed...  I am not sure if leaves work, or if hay is required for bedding.  I will, eventually, build an automatic feeding system and develop a watering system, heated for the winter.

Six to eight ducks.  A starter kit.  I would sure like meat ducks too, if I am not sure... interbreeding might become a major snafu.  Unless I replace the layer breed drake with a meat drake and added meat hens... hoping any replacement hens born of any mix could still put out good eggs, with the meat breeds putting out dinners?  Unless they breed to their own?  It'll be a learning process until it isn't.  On the good side, I have the previous owners for advice.  We may end up learning from each other.  Hmm... if I wanted defense?  Geese.  Not sure, might need fencing with them.  Might end up needing yard fencing as is?  Learning.

It is already down to 82, was an hour ago.  Hasn't changed yet.  I have started going out for short strolls, to give Sam some appreciated attention, look over my humble kingdom, and... just be alive in and enjoy the summer.  Another hour or two and it could be time to open up the cave and go to work.  It got down to 48 last night.  A duplication would be wonderful.  Though, I suppose, extra cool nights are more of a luxury... to be enjoyed as much for their rarity as simple pleasure.

There are the eggs, but also just having critters.  Perhaps they will get me out even more.  If I have to fence, I may look at meat geese, meat chickens, and a milk/meat goat/kid.  If you go country, go all in?  I wonder if a goat can bed in with ducks?  Research material, if experience will tell the real story.  Well, then, I'd almost have to get a dog.  I'd... better relax, and just see how I do with ducks, innit.  Later.