Free ranging geese and muscovies in an orchard with a stream in the middle

[macgro7]

Our new garden is about one acre. We have a brook flowing throught the middle of it.
My problem is I'm not sure how to free range my gees and muscovies around here.

How do you recommend I should secure the brook? I want them to use the water but don't want them to swim away...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Our new garden is about one acre. We have a brook flowing throught the middle of it.
My problem is I'm not sure how to free range my gees and muscovies around here.

How do you recommend I should secure the brook? I want them to use the water but don't want them to swim away...

fencing is about the only way. I've seen where they fence right across the water to the other side. Of course the whole area would have to be fenced or they would eventually just walk around to get into the brook on the other side.

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

fencing is about the only way. I've seen where they fence right across the water to the other side. Of course the whole area would have to be fenced or they would eventually just walk around to get into the brook on the other side.

i agree...i did it with a creek once.

sounds like waterfowl heaven!

 

[birdnerd99]

I say the same thing!

 

[macgro7]

Update:
I fenced of the brook, but ducks learnt to squeeze through it and go in the water! So did goslings and young muscovies! They go for swim, eat some snails and bugs and come back.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Update:
I fenced of the brook, but ducks learnt to squeeze through it and go in the water! So did goslings and young muscovies! They go for swim, eat some snails and bugs and come back.

That is great, others have posted they totally lost their ducks they went down stream never to return.

 

[macgro7]

They need some time to get used to their new place, just like pigeons of guinea fowl, then they can be free ranged. Perhaps something ate them in the water?

 

[Miss Lydia]

They need some time to get used to their new place, just like pigeons of guinea fowl, then they can be free ranged. Perhaps something ate them in the water?

Possibility a snapping turtle plus all the other preds out there.

 

[macgro7]

You should move to England, the only realistic predator here is the red fox, but there are loads of them...

 

[Miss Lydia]

You should move to England, the only realistic predator here is the red fox, but there are loads of them...

We have them too. plus so many others. I'd love to visit the country side of UK one day looks beautiful