When Ducks Choose Bourbon Barrels as Homes

A duck couple made a surprising real estate choice this spring when they selected a bourbon barrel at Off Color Brewing in Chicago as their future family home. The staff at the brewery took this responsibility seriously, going above and beyond to support the feathered family throughout their nesting journey.

House Hunting: Duck Edition

Staff first spotted the duck couple in April. The pair wandered around the outdoor patio, seemingly weighing the pros and cons of the space. They checked out the amenities and location just like first-time home buyers. After careful consideration, they decided they liked the neighborhood and its close distance to the river.

Sprinkles Moves In

The mother duck, named Sprinkles by the staff, chose a bourbon barrel as her nesting spot. She developed a routine - each day she would lay an egg before meeting up with her mate for an evening out. The staff saw an opportunity to help and took action while the couple was away one night. They surrounded her barrel with other barrels, creating a protective barrier against possible predators.

Extra Protection for a Dedicated Mother

Sprinkles soon began spending 22 hours daily sitting on her eggs through all kinds of weather. The caring brewery team built her a makeshift rain cover to keep her comfortable during storms. When the patio became busy with customers, the staff placed cacti around her nest to prevent people from getting too close to the expectant mother.

Welcome to the World, Ducklings!

One morning last month, staff arrived at work to find Sprinkles surrounded by broken eggshells and tiny ducklings. To help the new family when they were ready to leave, the team built a ramp from the barrel to the ground.

Thoughtful Protection

The brewery showed remarkable thoughtfulness throughout the process. They even waited to share the story online until after the ducklings had hatched. This smart decision prevented the nest from becoming an attraction that might disturb the new family.

Today, the brewery staff enjoy watching from a distance as the happy duck family explores their new life on the river. This small act of kindness from the Off Color Brewing team shows how humans and wildlife can share spaces with respect and care.