Dog raises nine orphaned ducklings 'after mother duck killed by fox'

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Tue May 22, 2018, 06:15 PM - Edit history (1)

'They just want a mother and they now have Fred, a stay-at-home dad'
Nicola Irwin an hour ago

Fred the Labrador has a new job – mothering nine orphaned yellow ducklings.

The 10-year-old dog has taken to his new role like a duck to water after the youngsters' mother was likely eaten by a fox.

The unusual family live at Mountfitchet Castle in Essex, home to a model Norman village. Staff noticed the ducklings were alone on Thursday and worried what might happen to them, before Fred stepped in.

. . .

When Fred goes swimming, the ducklings follow his lead and get in the water too.

. . .

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dog-ducklings-mother-raise-video-mother-fox-killed-labrador-a8363551.html

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This Dog Has Adopted 9 Orphan Ducklings And TBH It's Just Too Cute
A very good boy.

Posted on May 22, 2018, at 5:17 a.m.
Alan White
Alan White
BuzzFeed News Reporter

Meet Fred, the resident 10-year-old Labrador at Mountfitchet Castle in Essex.

. . .

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/the-dog-and-ducks?utm_term=.wiOP6pQRJ#.li0pWmdqD

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Labrador becomes dad to NINE adorable ducklings after herding them to safety
A CARING dog has become the acting dad to nine “mischievous” ducklings at a heritage attraction in Essex - even following him for a swim and enjoying a ride on his back.

By LAURA MOWAT
PUBLISHED: 09:40, Tue, May 22, 2018 | UPDATED: 19:04, Tue, May 22, 2018


The young ducks arrived at Mountfitchet Castle in Stansted without their mother when the dog, Fred, took them under his wing and has been acting as a protective parent ever since.

The ducklings appear very comfortable with the dog and have bagged a ride on his back, followed him into the water for a swim and relaxed between his paws.

The cute ducklings have been photographed snuggling up to the dog, sitting on his head and playing with his paws.

. . .

Dogs and ducks can be a popular pairing as the young birds can imprint on the first species that they interact with after birth.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/963361/dog-news-Fred-ducklings-mother-dog-babysitter-labrador-Mountfitchet-Castle-Stansted-Essex

[shenmue]

1. Squee