I would say, as a vet tech, that the behaviour changes, the hiding, etc are all signs that he actually does hurt or feel distressed. The weight is impacting his joints and as they lack a diaphragm fatty organs are going to push up on his lungs, impacting his ability to get the oxygen he needs. I think, for his sake, that culling him is far, *far*, more humane that allowing him to 'pass naturally', which will likely be from either organ failure or suffocation.
@Frida Pavlaski I have no qualms with eating animals, especially animals bred to be food. I figure, he was nourished during his life and now he nourishes in return. More respectful than just leaving the body to rot.
@Frida Pavlaski... They don't know that they're going to be killed. They don't understand mortality. You are projecting your own fears onto a bird which does a disservice to them because it makes people prolong suffering. The number of times I've been faced with an owner who refuses to euthanize their dog who is so cancer-ridden that it cannot walk, has open sores from urine scald, and won't eat "but he wags his tail" is nauseating. There is no saving them, there is only saving them pain. This duck was slowly and painfully dying of organ failure. It's a kindness to let them go. To prolong that is abject cruelty
@Frida Pavlaski i would also have no issue with my dead body being fed to a predator. It's just a body. I will be gone. Better than pumping me full of chemicals to poison the land with.
@Frida Pavlaski "When asked how he wished to be buried, he left instructions to be thrown outside the city wall so wild animals could feast on his body. When asked if he minded this, he said,“Not at all, as long as you provide me with a stick to chase the creatures away!” When asked how he could use the stick since he would lack awareness, he replied “If I lack awareness, then why should I care what happens to me when I am dead?”" ~ Diogenes of Sinope (412/399 BC-323 BC) a Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy.
As an indigenous person-the way you honoured Samuel is truly incredible. You guys get it and it’s wonderful. And very appropriate. It fills my heart with joy that you understand how to honour and be grateful for the life of your animals. You are a true farmer and Hunter ❤️ Thank you for your amazing stories...I am sure you will honour Samson in as beautiful a way to show gratitude for his little spirit and the sacrifice. Y’all are awesome people.
This also reminds me of how the Japanese think of the animals that they eat as well. When they say "thank you for this food" before eating, it means thanking the animal, the farmer and all the things that go into what you are going to eat. It's a good reminder that there is so much that goes into our food.
Many people also don’t understand ethical hunting (due to health, my hunting days are long over). I believe it is because as we urbanize more and more, each generation gets more removed from nature and the land. I always said a prayer of gratitude and honor for every bird I took, and my golden retriever was taught to never maul a bird she fetched, but rather treat her “catch” with gentleness. Indeed there is a great deal we can learn from our Native American sisters and brothers.
@@marcmckenzie5110 Urbanization, or rather population growth, is precisely why humans created hunting laws, even as far back as the Medieval period. If every human were to hunt all the time, all game animals would be hunted into extinction very quickly, or at least hunted enough that it'd severely throw off the balance of nature. Poaching is scummy because you are destroying a habitat just for your own gain. But hunting within regulation is actually fine, and in some contexts is even good for the environment, as some species can grow too numerous and be more destructive to their environments. Though even if not for the sake of population control, it is always good to respect the animal's sacrifice by putting its parts to use.
It's always good to respect after a hunt or a animal death that feeds a person I'm also native I'm Ojibwe for us we spread tobacco around the area to show respect
It's the hardest part of having an animal companion that you had treated as someone as a part of your life. Whether be it a pet, a farm animal, or even animals from shelters, zoos, or animals being rescued, once you had formed a bond with them, losing them is freaking hurting
My dad always said, “If a (insert animal here) can’t/ isn’t doing (insert animal here) things, it might be time to say goodbye.” If Samson can’t/ isn’t doing duck things, I can’t imagine he is having any fun being a duck.
@@DieselRamcharger Yes. But this is different. Humans aren't domesticated animals (well, most aren't... okay, a few aren't), but we are caring for the domesticated animals that we choose to harbor. So if they aren't doing great, then they are stressed, which inevitably stresses the other animals around it, which will hurt the other animals. It's time to put him down and let the others live with him in memory.
@@DieselRamcharger I'd like to extend on the oc and say it also depends on treatment. Like obviously a temporary lapse in health that can be treated and have them back to normal isn't necessarily going to be the end. Humans get the best treatment on that side, perhaps too much. I see those poor souls who are in chronic pain, completely paralysed, suffering, etc where treatments just don't work and are basically not given the option of euthanasia. But we give that to animals that are suffering like that. I've seen my nan suffering for years through all sorts of health issues. She's 93 now I think. Currently in a coma with a blood clot in the lung and covid 19 got her in the hospital on top of it. They said it could be very soon but this was a few days ago and she's still not passed. I just want her to be in peace already. If she'd been a pet, I'd have had her put down years ago. Anyway, farm animals, depending on the animal, will of course have access to veterinary treatments, but it's also up to the farmer on the worth of that treatment. Would not treating or treating lead to a profit loss? How important is it for that animal to be healthy? Would culling it be the better option and if it's culled can it's meat be sold? At the end of the day, as long as they aren't left to suffer, what the owner does is their choice. In my opinion on this case, I don't believe there is much that can be done at this point for the weight related health issues. It's too late to fix his diet. He could try pain management meds, but that's costly and not as safe in birds. It would be better to end his life.
He's a Pekin Duck - a meat bird, genetically adapted to grow overly large before their natural time. You could set him aside, work a low protein/no grain diet in a separated space, forced exercise etc and he would likely lose enough weight to carry on. But real facts Morgan: he's a meat bird, and you're a farmer. Those weight issues are an indicator that he's reached his harvesting weight. There's nothing sad about a farm animal coming into the next stage of the food cycle. He's given you breeding stock and great harvesting condition. Puddle duck should be proud.
@@bargetherooster3079 and also keep in mind he was always a strong duck a large duck it is not an exercise issue its not fat its muscle probs forced due to the environment presented from the others picking on him in nature only the strong survive if you can't adapt you will die so it was only natural that he became not only big and strong but also fond of humans as the whole time he was abused by his fellow chicks the humans would intervene
One thing to remember about Peking ducks is their genetic heritage. American Peking ducks come from ducks brought to the US from China. They are almost entirely a meat bird both in North China where they originate and in the US. They put on weight FAST. And in China they supercharge this process by force feeding them 4 times a day to get them extremely fat for the dish Peking Duck. Without careful management of the males they will get too big and eventually die.
Sort of like feeder chickens - they are only bred for meat and they only eat, it's the only thing they do and they have to restrict their food so they won't overeat. Sad.
Samson appears to have accelerated growth genes like his father, and like humans with this issue the accelerated growth will hasten his death, his story reminds me of Robert Wadlow "the giant of Illinois". My guess is when they breed Pekin ducks, selecting for fast growth is more important than long healthy life.
@@onetuliptree Andre the Giant was my first thought. Most well known for his role in the film "The Princess Bride". He died young due to his abnormally large size. From what I understand, it works similarity for ducks. 10 yrs is the lifespan for a normal duck, Pekins only live to 5 at best, and the larger and faster they grow, the less time they will have. Even with diet, it would be very difficult to get Samson to live much longer because he grew so very fast. Sadly, I think it would be better to put him down now, before his suffering becomes worse.
Hi Morgan, personally I don't believe in letting any animal suffer if their illness is incurable. Whenever animals start to hide, it usually means that death is near & sometimes it's better for them to be put down instead of waiting for nature to take it's course. It's a hard decision we animal lovers have to face now & then ... Either way, I hope you & Allison know that you provided the best possible life for this Peking duck ... & as long as you remember him, he's never gone from your heart & mind.
@Frida Pavlaski No, the humans are forced to carry on because of the law, which mandates suffering over a humane death. If we give a person a humane way to leave this life that precludes the suffering, we will get charged under the law. And likely convicted.
@@pigeonlifeinmybackyard3253 Humans are animals. It makes even less sense for us to force fellow humans to endure drawn-out incurable illnesses rather than being given a choice of a humanely accomplished death.
Earlier this year, one of my sweet ducks wasn’t doing well. She was flopping over, struggling to walk, clearly in pain. She wasn’t overweight by any means (she was an Indian runner), and an X-ray showed us that she had eaten metal. It was really sad, but putting her down was the best option. I say, don’t let Samson suffer for too long. If I’d known my poor ducky was in that much pain I would have put her down sooner. 🙏🏻
Hearts & hugs friend. When my rescued dog was failing, vet x-rays discovered buck shot to her chest. Kindest, most loving dog. She graced me with 8 years of joy. ( About 5 when adopted). She never complained. I wept & kissed her as she passed from cancer.
@@lucawilson469 - Same here. I've heard about other ducks and chickens eating too much too fast. From what some have said, this type will eat constantly. I'm wondering if it's too late to curb his intake somehow.
Unfortunately, terms like " unusual &/or freakishly large", rarely bode well in the animal kingdom. He is a handsome charmer. Hope his progeny due him justice.
I'll be getting ready for a night shift.. The circle of life comes full circle for big Sam.. Will save and watch on a tea break with the squad... Always a joy to watch..
Hey, man. I really enjoyed this video. As someone with a small amount of medical training as a certified veterinary assistant and experience of raising animals with the inevitable situation of having to make the hard choices of putting animals down when they aren't doing well, I really do feel for you and completely understand your request for outsiders to give their input on what they think is right. In my experience, we know what is best for our animals, but that feeling of knowing others feel the same as we do about the course of action that we should follow really does give us the OK to accept it. I know it's hard, especially since he has been such a huge influence to the kids, viewers, your farm, and you and your wife, but that is an amazing thing. You have given him such an amazing life. You truly care about him and the other animals you raise. If you have the chance to read this, keep in mind that I am saying this out of my lense- I can only know what you have shared. So please think about what we haven't seen as the days have gone by and his condition has deteriorated as well. Pain is the number one thing that I think about when determining if an animal should be put down to avoid suffering. The second is quality of life unrelated to pain. This is what my veterinary, techs, assistants, and foster coordinator mentors taught me over the years. It takes an immense amount of love to even begin thinking about putting an animal down. You mentioned two things that have stuck with me when writing this- Samson's father and his feed. Without knowing the cause of his father's fatty, bumpy organs, I am lead to think it is either genetic or related to the feed he is on. In my experience, it is a mix of both- nature and nurture, but it's possible that Samson unfortunately is experiencing the same/similar issues that his dad had because it is genetic. Over the next few days, really think about if he is in pain and if he is happy. Since ducks are prey animals, they are probably very similar to other prey animals. (I have only raised ducks through a school program like the one you did with Samson.) Prey animals will hide their illnesses and injuries as much as possible. If you are seeing that they are suffering, it is usually a sign that the issues have gotten to the point where they don't have the ability to hide it any longer. Pain is hard to see and understand in animals, but you can see the side effects- they stop eating like they usually do or stop eating all together, they aren't able to move around like they did, they aren't socializing, they are either not sleeping or sleeping more than they did, their behavior is completely different, they aren't enjoying the outdoors (sometimes because they physically can't go outside). It is A LOT like depression in humans. He isn't going outside as much which could be many things- maybe his body is working so hard to heal that it is hard for him to stay warm. That could be a reason he may not be swimming as well, especially since it is cold out. I can't make this decision for you since I am missing so much of the picture here, but I will leave you with this... do you think he is happy? How did his father's last days go? How close to the end do you think this is? Do you think he is suffering emotionally or physically to the point where he isn't able to live a happy duck life until the end? For now, make him comfortable. Maybe take his close duck pals into a separate area where you can put up a heating lamp for him safely and keep an eye on him. Lots of warm bedding, maybe even set up a camera so you don't have to constantly worry about him while you do other work. Give it a lot of thought, but just know that this is ok. You and your wife are allowed to be sad. I know you've talked about how you have to have some amount of separation between pet and livestock in order to avoid feeling so much attachment, but it happens. This is a sad part of life, but you and your wife did so much for him. You also allowed for him to be an educational resource to your viewers and to every person that you mentioned in this video. He has lived a great duck life, no matter how short. Much love. I know you will make the right decision. He knows you will always do what you believe is best for him in his own big ducky way. Always here to chat if you want. :)
Like a lot of birds, ducks are good at hiding pain even when it's obvious. They will only blatantly let you know once they're in excruciating pain and don't have anymore options. Unfortunately, Peking ducks have been bred many generations to just gain weight and die. That obviously makes an impact on their evolution. So no matter how great a breeder you may get a Peking duck from, it's inevitably doomed to over consume and destroy its organs. All because humans want "Peking Duck" at a Chinese restaurant.
@ lol my phone would just auto correct to Peking and I didn't even notice because I was so focused on just writing the comment. @ Mak NYC yes they are meat ducks. You'll see in a video about 2 weeks after this video how he talks about the very thing I just said.
Poor samson, its really unfortunate his genetics are doing him like that. He's hiding and not moving around too much so he might be in pain? Birds fluff and hide when they are in pain. If the choices are only let him be until one day you find him dead or give him a quick and painless end id go with a quick end. I wouldn't want him to die overnight in the duck house and the ducks be sat there with him overnight, it might mess with them mentally and be bad health wise. Maybe make sure he has one final day in the sun and as the sun set on that day the sun sets on his life. Its understandable that you don't have the facilities for a bird hospital. I'm not sure if he's got a fatty liver disease problem it would even be fixable, its kinda damage done now.
I agree. I also have Peking ducks and I try to limit their intake. My biggest is our female who’s name is Gorda ( fat in Spanish lol ) and she fits her name. I think we are going to process our Peking’s this spring. They will be 2 the end of June 2021 and they have had an amazing life. But they consume so much feed. And I would rather keep our runner ducks, chickens, and add to our turkeys ( we only have our female turkey as of now after predators got her chicks last summer).
Might be in pain, he is definitly in a lot of pain, birds of any kind do not show sickness or pain until right before they die, and only if they are in horrible pain. That's why you have to weigh birds to tell if they are sick because they dont show it. So you can tell he is in a lot of pain so much he can no longer hide it, so he should be put down as soon as possible. And put on the dinner table he would make a great meal
Thinking of you, Allison and Sampson during this difficult time. I feel like you're doing the right thing. You don't sound calous. You sound like a farmer that cares about his livestock and are just trying to do the right thing. Give yourself Grace. Sampson has had an awesome life. I love that you honor your livestock once they are gone. Much love to you and yours
Pray animals don’t “show” pain like you’d think, animals that show signs of any impediment are set upon by predators. Him hiding means he’s in big boy pain and can’t even hide it outside. Sorry man, give the animals the best life we can, and one bay day, don’t make his bad day longer than it needs.
Morgan, you're caring and compassionate and practical. You've taken wonderful care of Sampson and the rest of your farm livestock. I remember you saying something like, you wanted everyday to be their best day and only one day not to be. Thank you!
I am grateful you're willing to share the unpleasant and difficult parts of farm life as well as the joys. It makes for a much more balanced understanding.
Your overview is not callous, Morgan, it's just a cold analysis. You run a farm, not a shelter, like you said. If you can, help Samson... otherwise honour his life after he dies like you did Samuel.
His line of work is a tough and painful one. I couldn't deal with the loss of animals, I love them too much and I always see them as pets. I think that giving him mercy so he doesn't have to suffer really is the best option, I know I wouldnt want to have my suffering drawn out... Poor Samson. Poor Morgan.
And honestly, a lot of these 'farm sanctuaries' actually cause immense suffering to their animals because of their idea that being dead is so very very terrible. Death is far from the worst thing that can happen to anyone. Letting an animal that is in pain that has no real hope of ending go is far more kind and humane than forcing them to stay alive because of our own human emotions.
@@shiariryu I agree. I worked at a no kill shelter, and the suffering was heartbreaking. Sometimes ending their pain is the best gift you can give to an animal.
@@Callalily666 It depends on the definition of 'no kill'. My shelter is technically that, because we don't euthanise for time or space, only severe medical conditions that result in no quality of life or severe behavioural issues that make the dog dangerous to adopt. But literal no-kill is a horrifying thing and I wish those people could come to understand that they are abusing those animals by making them suffer like that.
@@shiariryu This was one of the bad ones. I tried to get the owner to listen to reason. I didn't last there very long. The suffering was heart wrenching. Thankfully they ended up closing. It was overflowing with suffering animals. There was a room full of end stage cats. I remember one week where every morning there was a body to clear out. Thank you for not doing that to the ones you save. She just was of the opinion that any life was better than euthanasia. I learned a lot from working there, but the most important thing was that we have an obligation to our animals to keep their suffering to a minimum.
I can’t watch this without crying. I lost my Puddles Duck, last week. I raised him from a 3 day old duckling. He was also a very large Pekin, 5 years old.
Such sadness...my sweet pug mix just was put down 4 days ago and my heart is so heavy. Not sure can watch yet. Quote from Winnie the Pooh..how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
Morgan, you and Allison are doing an excellent job with your farm animals. I hope your viewers will understand the cycle of life on a farm. Best wishes.
Except this problem will continue with each generation because Peking ducks are for making food and like some breeds of beef they were bred to bulk up and that’s what Sam and Samson did.
@@AmazingJellyfish However, if he was able to breed out the peking duck genes over a few generations and have some kind of 25/75 mix they could still be puddleducks and be more hardy.
Really relating to your dilemma as most of us animal lovers have gone through this when the end of a favorite critter is near. My heart was sharing your grief while watching this segment. Thanks for allowing us to celebrate Puddleduck with you. You’re such a good person 💕💕🦋
Thanks for being compassionate toward the animals on your farm, Morgan. I'm heartened to know there are farmers like you. I'm sure it's never easy to decide when it's time to assist the animal you care for to his or her inevitable death. Sending positive thoughts. I'm sure you will make the best decision you can for Sampson.
RU-vid: Hey wanna see an absolute unit of a duck? Me: Sure, why not. RU-vid: SIKE. HE’S DEAD NOW. ;-;. I’ve only learned of this legend an hour ago through the other video. Why, RU-vid, why?
Beautifully said and thought out. We have multiple ducks, all pets. Dealing with life and death is particularly a big part of keeping ducks. They can live a very good long life, but are also immensely fragile. Not only do they make me smile every day, I find they teach me to live, love and very much appreciate them in the current moment..
Honestly, as an animal caretaker (we also get taught illnesses and such) his signs and body language doesn't give me a good feeling. Sure he's at the end of his rope, but I think that he doesn't move much because it's hard but also painful/brings him a lot of discomforts. If I were you, I would let him go ASAP saying my goodbyes to him. ♥
Poor Samson. You run an awesome farm that I've been lucky enough to get to watch since the beginning, so I know Samson's life was a very good one. Keep it up man, Ive always loved these videos, even the sad ones. Samson will be missed.
Really appreciate the honesty with which you talk about farm life reality. You‘re right, it‘s not a sanctuary. But your animals get to live a wonderful life and the way you respect and appreciate them, in life and death, is admirable.
My duck who was like Samson had to be humanely put down because he had gotten so old he couldn't walk or eat so I completely understand. Before he left us he made sure to leave some ducklings.
@@scubaguy5389 The extra weight he carries ages him faster and is very damaging to liver and heart. We had some chickens who could not handle extreme temps and would have heart attacks because they were overweight. I was just saying that it hurts to lose a loved animal. Duck Duck was rare for a Peking because he was about eight years old and was still chasing young girls a week before his legs gave out.
@@scubaguy5389 Yes, there is some limit on food but some birds can steal food from others it winds up being trial and error depending on the individual birds or animals
You do really well, no regrets. Your attitude about the circle of life is right on. I will tell you what my vet told me-you will know when it’s time and you will do the right thing. My thoughts will be with you, dude.
My suggestion (As a vet student) Would be either pekin disease and/or heart problems. Pekins as big as Sampson often suffer heart issues which is probably onset by his obesity. Pekin disease often causes trouble moving and typically hereditary. The fact that Samuel had similar issues also points to this. My suggestion is to take him to the vet, however I don't know if he is treatable or not. For now, I would give him lots of rest. Also I would give him the opportunity to bath so he can practice good hygiene.
It is always hard to lose one of your favorite. But your attitude is right on. We raise goats and our philosophy/ attitude mirrors yours. We love our goats but sadly sometimes things happen. You do your best at caring for them. I agree with you that if he was suffering I would do what was needed Your video is a loving tribute to him. Prayers for you, Allison, Samson and Spicey duck.
put samson down. i feel srry for him too. you said it yourself, his health will only decline further and fast with his lack of movement. if you wait much longer he might reach a state you never wanted to see him in.
animals can also have pituitary issues. if he grew so large, sometimes it can mean that internally his organs couldn't handle the growth and usually you will see a shorter lifespan in these animals (similar to humans). watching Samson and your daily farm life has always been so cathartic to me. I grew up on a farm, and it's never easy to let family go. Samson hiding like that means he's in pain and trying to avoid being seen as weak. Spicy Duck is watching out like a good flock member. Morgan, I just want to say that you are a wonderful soul, and I want to thank you for raising your flock with such kindness and caring.
He's not able to exhibit any of his natural behaviors, and Pekins just aren't built to last. It sounds like he might be in organ failure, and it would be cruel to make him keep suffering.
Im so sorry about what happened to Samson it suck and I know the feel but you will get over it eventually. Good luck and my best wishes towards your farm, keep up the good work
As long as Samson isn't in pain, let him stay with Spicy Duck. Make him as comfortable as possible and let him go naturally with Spicy Duck at his side. If you let Spicy Duck stay with him until his last breath she will instinctively know what has happened and go on with her life. If you take Samson away and dispatch him she will constantly be looking for him, not understanding what happened to him. I have found this is the case with my older cats who have partners. Thank you for sharing Samson with us. He is a fellow most cherished. I feel sad for you having to make the decision between nature and intervention.
This is so true. Death has been happening for thousands of years. It seems with modern day ability to put an animal down, people just want a quick erasure of the whole process. Animals know and can deal with death, but the sudden erasure of their friend who they know existed does not compute. It can be very healthy at times in certain situations, possibly this one, to let nature take its course, for the living's sake - spicy duck.
It's easy for humans to impose customs on other animals. It's what makes us human.. But don't forget that birds migrate with or without their so called "friends." It's an inate instinct of the animal. If Samson duck was a part of a normal flock in the wild, the flock would consist of many birds (of the same species of course) that would not know each other. It's a conglomeration of birds flying for the same reason from different northern areas. It's not this close knit family like elephants who stay together. In the end.. The flock would leave behind those that couldn't continue on because it's their instinct. They would not mourn the loss of a fellow participant. This behavior isn't a problem, it's a matter of the life and death cycle. We, as humans, shouldn't be upset by it because it's nature at its core.
Can't you let him stay in the duck house and give him little to no food food for a while, but plenty of water! That way he loses some weight and becomes more mobile, without you having to put in any additional work.
if his indication is right its not really that the duck is fat. while this is an issue its more that the long term fatting has caused internal issues with the duck already. when they killed its father off he was talking about the organs looking all messed up.
Hey dude, I always feel this way. You live there, you know you're a good caregiver for them. You will make the best choice, and all I can do is offer you support during this time. May Samson's memory be a blessing.
Awww! I love how great you run your farm. I take animal stories to heart and commiserate with you! So my eyes are tearing up, my heart aches but I know this is life. Do what you have been doing! You do your best, research and use common sense. Yes, I am living vicariously through your farm! Thank you for posting all your vlogs!
I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost one of our rabbits this week. Sadly, this is a part of life on a farm, wether large or small. I'm not really religious, but this saying always helps me through: "we bless the years we called them ours, the rest, we leave to God."
2020 extended edition.... 2020 is contesting the New Year, it is attempting to have Father Time invalidate the Huge Fraud that is the "New Year". I consider 2020 to last until March 11, the anniversary of WHO's declaration of the Pandemic.
I think the first Gold Shaw Farm video I watched was actually the Samson video. I'm gonna say this and I hope people don't take this the wrong way... It seems like he's suffering a lot and having a hard time even getting around. Perhaps the answer is turning him into dinner out of mercy =/ And I quote this form your own words: "Here in Gold Shaw Farm, we make sure our animals have only one bad day in their lives." Anyway, we all know how much you care about all these animals, so whatever you decide on doing I'm sure it's gonna be the best for Samson. Take care
That is such a hard decision to make. I am so sorry you and your wife have to go through that. Thank you for your wonderful videos my husband and I have learned a lot from them.
My understanding is that pekins handle weight gain much better than most meat birds- they're an older breed and the harsher breeding practices weren't around back then. But maybe Samson's a Jumbo Pekin, not just a regular Pekin? I think those are more recent and less healthy.
The Puddleduck Clan have been such great ambassadors of your farm. As part of a livestock farm, the options y'all have are limited but after years of seeing how you handle your business, I trust that ultimately you'll make the choice that is fair, decent & one you can live with. Heart goes out to you, Allison, Jemima & Spicy Duck❤
This is a decision that needs to be made by you, and you alone. Letting a bunch of emotional viewers with little to no farm or animal experience chime in is foolish, and could result in him being left alive longer then necessary. I just had to put my sweet 12 year old golden retriever down on Dec.31st. His name was Samson. As the owner, you know best. You have been with him since the beginning of his life. You will know when it is time to end it. I appreciate how involved you like to keep your viewers, but this is one matter that I think you should decide alone. Not ask for input from people that aren't even there. Its easy for a fan to say "keep him alive" when they are half a world away, and not the one that is actually there with him, watching him slowly battle harder and harder to do basic things.
Most people are saying to put him out of his misery... and that has nothing to do with farm experience.. it can be pet experience, compassion, and logic.
To own any animal is huge responsibility and the hardest part is letting go when the time comes, sadly you can't fight genetics but you can hopefully stop it from carrying onto another duck. Love to you all and thank you for sharing your life xx
“Birth, growth and death...” One of the best parts of your channel is that you allow people who can not live on a farm to see their food sources, to see that farmers love and care for the land, the animals and the cycle we all go through. None of us are infinite. So thank you for the story of Sam-son. I know (and this will sound odd) that my animals all “tell” me how they want to go. So my advice is to listen to your heart which is, in the end, listening to Sam-son’s wishes too.
yeah, i concur. it doesn't have to be an elaborate process. a large, wire dog crate will do the job to separate him since he can't ambulate well. and over the next week - if he makes it - see how he does with only the amount of food that he's supposed to be eating. if there are no positive results then you do what you have to.
You do an amazing job of educating about life on a farm and dealing with farm animals. I love your channel! This is also a good example of what happens to our cats and dogs when we allow them to get overweight and become grossly fat. I raise backyard chickens and I have to watch their weight or they will overeat too. Please keep doing what you do I have learned so much from your videos! Thank you!
glad you spoke to difference between farm and sanctuary. I believe animals live in the moment so as long as he is able to be comfortable let him live as he can.
So sorry for Samson. What a happy duck! I guess he ate himself to death. He needed an environment that wasn’t so food rich. We are all hardwired to eat the food that is in front of us. Thanks for sharing all this and your thoughts on what Peking ducks need. Sometimes less is more.
Dude you are a farmer and you got to do what you got to do. I am proud of you for making this video. I know it must be hard especially with Samson as he became part of your life.
I read that Pekins are prone to health issues like joint problems due to their size. The Pekin (probably due to its rapid growth rate as a young bird) normally lives a relatively short life-perhaps five years. The first part of a Pekin to fail as it ages is often its legs. You can try niacin to see if it helps, plus a warm bath.
