When Pootje hatched from his egg, he was in perfect health. He was the smallest of the ten, but apart from that there was absolutely nothing wrong with him.

Until one morning, when everything changed...

Pootje was found badly injured, covered in blood, after a rat had attacked him. His little leg had been bitten off. 😢💔

There was no way I could leave him to face everything alone. I adopted him straight away and, because ducks are real companion animals and don’t like being on their own, I took another duck home with me. Ever since then, the two of them have been inseparable. 🦆❤️

At the moment they’re at the front of the garden, but I dream of creating a safe and lovely spot for them at the back. There’s an old shed there, but the asbestos needs to be removed first, and then I want to build a proper new home for them.

I want to do something extra for Pootje. I’d love to dig a little pond where he can swim and enjoy himself. He’s lost one leg because of what happened, but to me, that’s exactly why he deserves a life where he wants for nothing. ❤️

That’s why I also want to make sure there’s a sturdy, secure enclosure. A safe place where they can roam freely, play, swim and, above all... where they no longer have to be afraid of rats or other dangers.

Pootje didn’t have the best start in life, but I want to do everything I can to make sure the rest of his life is a happy one.

He may be missing one little leg, but he

’s certainly not lacking in love. ❤️

And believe me... if Pootje could talk, he’d thank you all personally. 🦆❤️

There will be regular updates on everything that will be improved and changed for Pootje — including the renovations, the new pond, his new home and all the work that goes into creating a safe and happy place for him. 🦆❤️

I’ll keep you updated throughout the whole process, so you can see how everything comes together and how Pootje’s new home slowly becomes a reality. ❤️