Britain’s most famous duck, known for his love of beer and pub visits, got into a serious fight with a dog. The duck, named Star, is often seen at local pubs with his owner, Barrie Hayman, wearing a bow tie and sipping ale from a glass. Some pubs even have a special stool for Star.
However, Star’s drinking days might be over after he got into a scuffle with a dog named Meggie, owned by Barrie. The incident happened after Star returned from The Old Courthouse Inn, his favorite pub. Star and Meggie faced off, with the dog ultimately attacking the duck, splitting his bottom beak.
Barrie, aged 69, explained that the dog had grown tired of Star’s drunken behavior, and this time, Star went too far. Barrie hurried Star to the vet, where he received painkillers, hoping for a full recovery.
Barrie, of Chulmleigh, Devon, said: “Star pushed his luck too far and Meggie snapped – splitting Star’s bottom beak right down the middle. “He gave her a stare, then promptly stood on her back. It was not pretty and not nice. We were so scared we would lose Star.”
Barrie, a grandfather with one grandchild, used to teach scuba diving in Australia. He lives with his wife, Sue, and took care of Star since Star was a few days old. When Star was a baby bird, Barrie would carry him around in his shirt pocket. Now that Star is grown up, he enjoys drinking real ale and often accompanies Barrie to the local pub.
However, Barrie mentioned that Star’s drinking days might be over soon. Star recently had a health scare and had to undergo anesthesia, which is risky for small animals like ducks. Fortunately, Star seems to be doing well after the procedure, although it was a stressful time for Barrie and Sue. The vets are happy with Star’s recovery progress, and he seems to be getting back to his normal self.
Barrie worried that Star might develop a lisp from the injury, which could harm his ability to perform. This was concerning because Barrie and Star often work together to collect money for charity with their special street act. However, veterinarians have assured Barrie that Star will be able to perform again without any issues from the injury, so his ability to make sounds won’t be affected.
He said: “He just won’t leave me and so we go everywhere together. I’ve not trained him to follow me. He just seems to like it and he is one fantastic duck. He loves to come to the pub, where everyone loves him. He is such a personality and attracts so much attention.”
The star even owns a Facebook page under the name Star Hayman. It reads: “I am an Indian Runner Duck. My daddy is my best friend. I love wriggly worms and I follow my dad everywhere. I watch TV with him, especially rugby, and I even share his beer.”