Phil & Chester

Two ducks were abandoned on a northern Vermont lake, having to fend for themselves for an extended period of time. We believe part of that survival mode was made stronger because the two of them had each other. We can't say for certain, but it is very likely they were purchased as ducklings earlier that year and dumped once they were sexed, as males aren't as "valuable" to industries as females and they were quite young. With the notice of kind locals & help of a local sanctuary, they were rescued and brought to Free to Be. 

Phil and Chester were our first ducks to the sanctuary, making them part of our original crew. The first in the space, the first to claim the run, and the first to teach us so much about ducks and how special of an animal their species is. Ducks need a lot of protection against predators as a prey species, paired with defensive methods bred out by animal ag & fashion/retail industries over the decades. Some breeds, like Pekins, are "meat birds" that have been manipulated to grow as large as possible as quickly as possible, leaving many to face severe health and mobility issues as they grow.

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Chester is only 2½ -3 years old and already struggles with mobility. He doesn't let this stop him in any sort of way though being the strong, determined boy that he is! We have a feeling that if you were to ask him...so long as Phil is nearby, life is good. 

Chester is a goofy, curious boy where his bonded bud Phil is more serious and reserved. They both lean on each other, deeply bonded from their past, and are never seen more than a foot or two away from one another.