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Ford nodded. “Not a problem. We’ll do what’s best for the birds. I’m sure he’d rather us come back than have the flock in danger.”

They followed the GPS to another valley with a few farms. The day was clear here as they pulled up to Kane’s Farm and into the small parking area by the house. There was a large weathered barn out back and at least a dozen smaller buildings.

Ford took Jolie’s hand as they walked into the back area. There were several large coops. Chickens, ducks, and geese roamed the yard. In the back, he could see pastures with at least a dozen cows and a horse. Maybe a donkey.

A man looked up from where he was filling a kiddie pool with water. He smiled and waved them over. “Hi, I’m Brandon Kane. I’m guessing you’re the ones who are interested in some ducks.”

Ford introduced them both, and they shook hands. “You’ve got quite the place here.”

Jolie nodded. “It’s amazing. The birds are all so happy. And they appear to get along.”

Brandon laughed. “For the most part, they do. Although if I’m late feeding them in the winter, they can get a little crabby. Kimi said you’re looking for ducks to help control snails on an apple farm. Is that right?”

Jolie nodded. “I also want to increase the biodiversity of the area. I think it’s going to be a win-win.”

“You have a good-sized clearing for them?”

Ford liked that the man was protective of his flock. Jolie pulled out her phone and showed Brandon the area around the pond, the orchard, and the coop they’d built.

Ford said. “We’re going to build a permanent structure for the winter, but for now, this will keep them safe at night.”

Brandon nodded. “That’s a good design. I think they’ll be very comfortable there.”

Jolie worried her bottom lip. “But we got excited about having the ducks and forgot about needing a fence. We were going to get that in place before asking about the ducks.”

Brandon laughed and gestured around. “None of my birds are fenced in during the summer, although they stay in the coop overnight. In the winter, I keep them in a fenced area for their safety, but they’re happy to stick around. Easy access to food and water is usually all they need.”

Ford watched Jolie light up at that. “You think we’ll be okay taking them with the farm as it is?”

He nodded. “Khaki Campbells are smart. They also like to stick together. If you show them they’ve got food and safety, they should hang out. If they take off, they should survive. I’ve always got more, but I’m betting they’ll stick around. They’re used to going into the coop here at night and just hanging around near it during the day.”

Jolie grinned. “That’s amazing. But I’ll worry about them if they fly away.”

Brandon grinned. “Don’t. These ducks can flutter a few feet, but they don’t fly like wild ducks. Their bodies are too heavy for long flights.”

Brandon whistled and a border collie jumped up from where he’d been snoozing. The man used hand signals and verbal commands. Soon, there were six ducks grouped at their feet.

Ford laughed. “That was like watching a rodeo.”

Brandon grinned. “You can generally herd the ducks yourself because they like to stick together, but a dog makes everything easier. You might want to look into that for yourself, especially if you want them to wander the orchard at night for the snails.”

Huh. Ford hadn’t considered that either. “Good idea.” Dogs were always a good idea. He didn’t think Fox would enjoy herding, but he also didn’t expect him to be averse to another dog joining them. The Great Pyrenees didn’t appear to be in the least territorial.

The collie herded the ducks right into the crate he and Jolie had brought, lined with a sheet of plywood so their feet didn’t get stuck in the gaps, and covered with straw. Ford picked it up and set in on the tarp he’d set in the truck bed.

Brandon slapped him on the shoulder. “Smart. Ducks shit pretty much all the time. Good for the land, not so good for the trucks. If you two have questions, you’ve got my number. Have fun.”

Back at the farm, the day was late. He was glad Jolie had texted her brother that they would be late for their evening meal. Knox had said there would be lots in the fridge for them once they settled the ducks.

The rain had slowed to a drizzle when they pulled in. He headed down the farm road that would take them closest to the pond. They’d set the unpainted Quack Mobile in place before they’d headed to pick up the ducks.

Jolie started twisting her hands as he parked. “What if we can’t get them into the coop? What if Fox hates them? What if they fly away and get eaten by a coyote?”

Ford reached over and took her hands in his. “You heard Brandon. They’re pretty smart and they don’t fly far enough to worry. Even if they’re stubborn and won’t go into the coop, they’re used to fending for themselves. But I’m betting we can get them settled for the night.” At least, he hoped so.

They got out and opened the door to the coop. They’d found a wide pan that would be perfect for a water bowl for the night.

It was late enough that Brandon said they could put the ducks straight into the coop for the night and let them explore in the morning.