Stumpy... by name and nature

I first wrote about Stumpy on 19 February 2007, and then again on 4 April 2007.

Poor Stumpy has lost one of his four legs, but it's not a bad thing. From BBC News again.

Last Updated: Thursday, 19 April 2007, 12:57 GMT 13:57 UK

'Stumpy' now a three-legged duck

The mutation is rare but cases have been recorded elsewhere

A duck who became famous after he was born with four legs has lost one of his extra limbs.

Stumpy was born at Warrawee Duck Farm, Hampshire, in February, with an extra set of legs behind the two he moves on.

His owner Nicky Janaway, who was amazed Stumpy had thrived into adulthood, said he caught one of his extra legs, which stuck out, in his pen's fencing.

But she said it was a plus for Stumpy as, without the flailing leg, the duck could now safely roam the whole farm.

Mrs Janaway said: "He's now only got three legs and a stump which means he's Stumpy by name and stumpy by nature.

"He got the leg caught in the pen fencing. He clean snapped it but he had no idea anything had happened so he may not have had any sensation in it."

Given him freedom

Stumpy had shocked his owners when he was born on the New Forest farm with the rare mutation.

A duckling, called Jake, was born with a similar mutation in Australia in 2002, but died soon after birth.

However, Stumpy's condition earned him fame - he made the headlines and made television appearances across the globe after his birth and an online blog has been ensuring fans can follow his every move.

Stumpy had been housed in the pen as Mrs Janaway said she was fearful if he had been free to wander the farm he would have got stuck somewhere and she would not have found him.

Mrs Janaway said: "The good thing that has come out of it is that he can now roam the farm and he and his girlfriend duck Alice are harassing the others.

"It has given him his freedom - the other leg is tucked up so it has no chance of getting stuck."

And another picture

And then there were three ... the new look tri-legged Stumpy.
Photo: Reuters

Stumpy is now a bit of a celebrity. Check out Stumpy's diary.

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My blog will be on hiatus until Sunday night (29 April) as I am going to Melbourne tomorrow evening.

Yep, for the football. Two games. One on Wednesday afternoon, the Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood. Another one on Saturday night, between the Brisbane Lions and Carlton.