Abandoned bird raises another: Dairy Flat, Auckland
A former orphaned duckling is fostering another.
The newborn bird was rescued on Christmas Eve as it defied death darting between cars on Kumeu's Main Rd.
Ten months later, Dennis the duck is paying it forward.
The magisterial mallard has taken another abandoned creature under its wing after owner Ellie Seamons from Dairy Flat appealed for one.
A woman running an animal shelter nearby saw Seamons' post on community pages and delivered Daphne, the runt of the litter.
"Daphne was the smallest and she was the only one which needed a heat lamp," said Seamons, an early childhood teacher in Kumeu.
"If you have a smaller duckling and a lot of bigger ones, they walk all over them and beat them to the food.
"It's survival of the fittest," she said.
Seamons nursed the ailing duckling back to health with a natural powder used to treat mites and parasites.
Daphne joined Dennis' own brood of seven ducklings and thrived.
Seamons admits she earlier mistook Dennis for a male because of the duck's feisty personality.
"Dennis is quirky, bossy and bolshie. She will let you know what she wants, when she wants it, and she wants it now."
When the duck grew a second set of gender revealing feathers, Seamons realised her error.
But the name stuck.
Seamons and partner Luke Hodge found Dennis last Christmas Eve when they were driving through Kumeu bound for Helensville to drop relatives home.
Rounding a corner, they spotted a day-old duckling dodging heavy traffic.
"Luke jumped out of the truck and Dennis pretty much ran straight up to him," Seamons said.
"She (Dennis) definitely would've been a pancake within a few seconds."
With the duckling cradled in Hodge's hand, the couple scoured neighbouring paddocks and ponds in vain for the mother.
They decided to take Dennis home.
"Because it was Christmas eve, we couldn't get to a stock food place so we made her mushy peas and mashed up mixed veges to eat," she said.
Seamons and Dodge, a carpet layer, had just begun Christmas leave so they spent their three-week holiday raising Dennis at home.
"We spent every minute of the day with her," Seamons said.
"She went everywhere with us for the whole summer holidays."
They took Dennis swimming at Whitianga creeks where the couple hunted for crystals, at waterways in South Head and at the Cement Works lake in Warkworth.
Now an independent adult, Dennis swings between being a wild duck when it suits and returning home to feed whenever hunger strikes.
The duck once vanished for a week before returning home with seven new ducklings in tow.
She led her charges straight into one of Seamons' enclosures.
"A really nasty pukeko was stalking them," she said.
"Pukekos kill ducklings.
"I think Dennis knew that I'd keep her babies safe."
Pictured: Seamons' son Dayton Rata, 7, with Dennis as a duckling and today, as a fully fledged duck.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.
You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.
Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.
Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.
Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:
1. Personal Preferences.
Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.
Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?
Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?
Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.
2. Bedroom Size.
Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.
A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.
3. Sleeping Partners.
If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.
A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.
What Size Should You Get?
Let's break it down size by size:
Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.
Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.
Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.
King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.
Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs
Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.
However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.
Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.
By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.
At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
82.3% Yes
-
15.2% No
-
2.5% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
