It Is a Fuzzy Solution to a Slimy Problem

Snails are the bane of gardeners’ existence.  Sneaky slimy shellful things that eat your lovely veggies and fruit trees (the ugly ones too, probably – they’re pretty indiscriminant).  Invasive to this country, garden snails proliferate at impressive pace and nom anything in their wake. 

Thus, unsurprisingly, snails are an issue here at Fallbrook Permaculture.  While not reaching full-on THREAT status, they are, at the very least, a nuisance.  A nuisance known to seek shelter en masse during the hot hours of the day.  But where the devil do they go?

Well, last week while mulching citrus trees, we got our answer.  It would appear that they take to the trees.  In that they hide snails-on-snails-on-snails style within the grooves of shaded tree trunks.  Tricksy tricksy.  

Snail Trail!

Thus, on a bright San Diego afternoon, we found ourselves – scattered mulch shovels abandoned, forgotten wheel barrow askew – Snail Hunting.  The incriminating evidence had been discovered, the gauntlet of trees along the driveway found out: all guilty of Snail Hoarding in the First Degree. 

Aha! Gotcha!

Our gastropod apprehension procedure was swift and merciless – each individual was armed with a ziplock bag and set loose with single-minded purpose: all snails found faced the plastic prison, no exceptions.

“But they are kinda cu-“

“NO! They are PLANT KILLERS”

“I mean look at those silly little faces tho-”  

“IN THE BAG”

“Sigh Okay”

To the Dump with Ye!

That evening over dinner, we discussed the snail problem (What you don’t talk about snails over dinner? That’s…kinda weird), and learned a new Permaculture Saying.  “If you have too many snails, that means you don’t have enough ducks.”  Of course all us WWOOFers were very pro-ducks, but the owners of the homestead remained hesitant.  They certainly wanted ducks eventually, but was now the right time?  Baby ducks could be a lot of work.  Did they really want to add new animals to the property?  Etcetera.  The WWOOFer counter-argument, "But...ducks!  Ducks are so cool!" for some reason did not seem to sway them. 

The subject of ducks was dropped after that, apart from hypothetical musings: “If we were to get ducks what kind would we get? What color should they be?”

Then it happened.

Two days ago, Mike and Sonya came home and I emerged from my room to see a large box on the dining room table.  A box with holes.  My fellow coworker stood over it, peering at its contents.  WHAT’S IN THE BOX.

This.

Was in.

The box.

We have been told that they grow quite rapidly, and I'll be sure to keep y'all posted on their progress.  The yellow and black ones are Swedish Blue Ducks (despite the name, they will grow up to be black and white) and the yellow is your standard white duck.  His/her (haven't sexed them yet) name is Odd.  Odd Duck.  The one Odd is hugging above is named June.  We keep them in a little duckling house in the living room, which I imagine they will outgrow soon enough.  Should be snappin' up snails in no time.  For now, though, I am enjoying writing this post with a Standard Poodle on my lap and squeaking ducklings beside me.  Life is indeed good here on the farm.

Until next time!

~Rachel