So I really need some ducks...

So I'm already a chicked addict, but here is the thing, I live in florida and on the water, a large pond. So I want a duck that is safe for the area. I had some duckling that i raised and had kept on the porch till they were big enough, then i put them outside near the house, big yard. and they were gone, just gone in one night! I so don't want that to happen again, what should I do? I really want ducks again, but I want them by the pond, but I also have another thing by the pond....

so am I being selfish or can this be done?

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... wow. lol. I thought your post was a joke at first--as in, "I really need some ducks.... so I can feed my alligator."

Honestly, I'm so sorry to have to say this but... I don't think there is such a thing as a duck that would be safe on your pond. Even a large turtle will sometimes snatch a duck from below and turn it into lunch. So that thing... I really love alligators... but I would never go to the trouble to raise its lunch in my living room. Sorry!

If you really want ducks--you might have to come up with a way to keep them contained in a predator-proof enclosure... or maybe even house ducks? (Yes, people do keep ducks in the house--with success!)

But not on that pond... sorry!

care for some cooked gator lol

Seems you already have experience with this and already know the answer. Ducks have predators, but that is an insane predator. REALLY Bad mix.

Gator tail is de-lish!

well see gators didn't kill the first duckies. lol. We have had gators before I don't have the heartto hurt the gators, but things have happened to them but not by us . I just don't know if I could corral the ducks at night towards the house and make another coop just for the ducks. I don't know.
The first time I think a fox got to the duckling or something because they were contained very close against the house no gator and we have big property its a mystery.
but yep I guess gators eat during the day too and my Koi pond in the front I imagine is to small. I just really want ducks so not fair. sigh, i need more bird and I dont want any little cockateil little birds.

have you checked with your state wildlife department maybe they could get id of them for you or trap them ?

If you have a koi pond in front that is in a contained area where the gators can't go, then you're shiny. Ducks don't need a large pond. Many people just use kiddie pools that they clean out regularly. Just be aware that the ducks will muck your pond up royally--you will need a seriously heavy duty filter and/or to clean it out very very often. You might be better off fencing in an area and just giving them a kiddie pool.

I personally really like gators and, like you, wouldn't want to harm them as long as they weren't actively threatening me or mine (I would draw the line if my children couldn't play outside because a gator was becoming too "friendly"). I don't kill predators here, either--foxes, raccoons, etc.--I just take measures to protect my family and flocks with more-than-adequate fencing and enclosures. You could do the same, but you'll want to research and make sure you know what all your predators are and how to prevent them accessing your flock. All ducks are susceptible to predators--we all struggle with it--you just have to learn what measures are necessary, and take those measures.

Good luck!

OH oh oh that is so awesome. I love ducks but what you already have is SO much cooler than ducks.

no the gator is cool there is actually 2 he is about 7 feet the other about 3 they are "scared" of us, they go running everytime we are out there. the only one that was put down by the neighbors was not was aggressive and would come up, and had to go when they lose their fear we have problems.
Now I'm not a bad mom, so don't judge, but my boys went to get minnows in there this weekend GASP! that was all my husband not me!

we have a lot of predeators too! we did have to kill a family of coons that wiped out our beloved chicken and didnt even eat them but did rip their head off I was crushed!