A Devonshire duck known as ‘Star’, who is recognisable by his vast array of bow ties and a penchant for ale in the local pub has given his owners a scare after getting into a fight with a dog, and suffering serious injuries to his beak as a result.
Star, who has made local headlines for sticking his beak into other people’s pints, is something of a celebrity for his appearances with owner Barrie Hayman, and their performances together on the streets of Devon to raise money for charity.
But last week Star got into a fight with one of his owner’s dogs, Meggie, and had to be rushed to the vets with a painful injury that left the Haymans fearing for the duck’s life.
“[Meggie] and Star love each other to bits but also wind each other up. Star pushed his luck too far and Meggie snapped – splitting Star’s bottom beak right down the middle,” Star’s owner wrote on Facebook.
“We were so scared we would lose star,” Sue Hayman wrote, but added that “thankfully, our Star is a tough cookie – and came out OK.”
Star was given painkillers at the vets. According to the Mid Devon Gazette Mr Hayman asked whether the duck would be left with a lisp after the fight, which could affect the double act’s performance, but was reassured that Star’s vocal capabilities would be intact.
The owners wrote on Facebook that Star and Meggie have already “kissed and made up”, and reported on Tuesday that the duck had been well enough to go out again.
