Loading ...I was expecting it to be hard to take our ducks in for ‘processing’, this is not the kind of decision that we make lightly. No matter the logic or reasoning; or that I know it is, especially in this case, necessary. It was a very hard decision and I think that is the way it should be.
In my opinion too many people let themselves be distanced from the source of their food, don’t acknowledge that an animal gave up its life to give them sustenance. I believe that if you choose to eat meat then you should be willing to face where it comes from. That being said I will refrain from being too graphic, in part because I have to wear glasses for the computer and crying in them causes distinct visual difficulties.
Wednesday afternoon we spent some time luring/chasing the majority of our boy ducks into the barn. Yesterday morning we got up extra early to get them all contained in a variety of cat carriers, dog crates and boxes ready for their 8am appointment.
When we arrived there was a truck there unloading a large number of geese, Muscovy and quacking ducks, and wild turkeys. Following instructions we backed the car up and started unloading, Steve was told he needed to take them out of the various carrying devices and hang them by their feet in preparation.
There were already birds in there and I saw sights that I did not expect and had previously made a point of avoiding. I managed to help Steve get all the boxes inside and then managed to take two steps inside the door a couple more times to retrieve the containers he was emptying, but it was done with the mental equivalent of my eyes shut and fingers jammed in my ears, humming loudly.
The rest of the time I stood just outside the door trying my damnedest not to let the tears escape. Some did. I don’t doubt that the inspector, the workers and the other customer thought I was silly. To be honest I don’t care. Once we were safely in the car, all bets were off and I am not ashamed to admit that I cried half the way home.
In the afternoon we went back, collected them, and came home to weigh and start selling them. I am sad for their sacrifice, but I stand by the decision we made. They had a good, natural, happy duck life; and a calm, quick, humane death. We know this because they started while we were still there. And importantly they are being sold to people who will appreciate their value.
If you are local (Ottawa area) and would appreciate one of our ducks, there are still some not spoken for. We believe that the ‘going rate’ is $15 per kg and as they are all a little over 2kgs but we don’t have good scales to weigh them accurately we are simply saying $30 a bird.
It does make me feel better that we have also sold 4 on to new homes and have another 4 being collected this weekend. They are all going to homes with really nice people where I am sure they will be well taken care of.
This post is part of Fight Back Friday, why don’t you head over and check out some of the other shared wisdom.
now I’m sulking about the cow..
Comment by lala — November 27, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
OK, now you have confused me?
Comment by Heidi — November 27, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
Heidi, I agree with your position about knowing where your food comes from; I’ve always maintained that. Me, I chose to become a vegetarian in my teens because I just can’t eat a sentient being. But I really appreciate that there are producers like you who give their animals a good life and a humane end so that people who choose to eat meat can have a healthy product.
Comment by Michelle — November 28, 2009 @ 6:27 pm