Thelma and Lou
In September 2023, we welcomed our first ever Muscovy ducks to the flock here – Thelma and Lou.
Why are they called “Muscovy”? Well, although “Muscovy” is what the area around today’s Moscow was referred to back in the day, these ducks are not native there. They are actually native to places like the Rio Grande Valley here in Texas.
How did they get to Rowdy Girl?
Read Danielle’s story below. Children love animals and often bring them home impulsively, like Danielle’s little boy did.
Three day old ducks are yellow, fuzzy and adorable. Danielle couldn’t resist them and soon they became Thelma and Louise. Until Louise turned out to be male, so he became Lou.
Then circumstances changed as they often do. Danielle had to find her feathered friends a new home.
Thelma died unexpectedly soon after they settled into quarantine here. We had a necropsy done and it revealed she had yolk peritonitis, a deadly condition caused by the egg yolk entering the bloodstream.
Because of factory farm practices like selective breeding that puts profit over animal welfare, the animals we welcome can suddenly develop conditions like Thelma’s.
Thelma and Lou’s story as told by Danielle:
Thelma and Lou weren’t in my plans. My son impulsively brought them home to me at 3 days old. I knew nothing about ducks. At the time I didn’t even know what type of ducks they were. But once in my hands, I knew they were staying. I read everything I could get my hands on to learn about raising and housing ducks. They grew and started developing personalities. Thelma who was named after my beautiful kind spirited friend I worked with in India and Louise (because it went well with Thelma) who we later learned was male and shortened the name to Lou. Thelma was a sweet natured little girl who absolutely loved finding worms and just sitting next to me on the porch Lou followed me everywhere while I performed chores and talked to me constantly. He’s the only living creature that enjoyed my singing. Circumstances changed and we had to relocate to San Antonio from out of state and bringing them wasn’t possible. I spent approximately 6 months searching for a new home for them. When I reached out to Renee she was so gracious and allowed me to come visit before I made a decision. While Surrendering them both was a hard heartbreaking decision to make, I don’t think I could have placed them in better care or hand picked a place than Rowdy Girl.
Muscovy ducks are all over the city I live in: Sugar Land, Texas. Poor Thelma. I hope she didn’t suffer. If she did, I hope it was quick. Thanks for taking in both her and Lou.