Found a cartridge casing in my duck's run area

[DukesDucks]

I bought 4 acres in the spring. Had a crew come in and we filled a dump truck with rubbish left behind - lots of plastic containers, scrap metal, rotting tarps, hoses, unidentified engine parts, numerous tires, etc. I would still recommend getting a metal detector. If it was a party house, the detector will help you find the bottle caps and pull-tabs which are probably there. I swear the stuff just keeps migrating out of the earth.

 

[Mimi13]

Thank you very much! That was the answer i was hoping for. I really have no clue about metal-detectors and don't have the time now to educate my self about the technology and terminology to understand all the lies in the advertisements…

Unfortunately, this is so true...with everything nowadays! Sad!

 

[Mimi13]

I know a magnet will not help in this particular case (finding shell casings), however, a good magnet is invaluable, especially in an old farm setting.

This is the one that I purchased that has found so many hidden dangers, not only to my birds, but to my horses, dogs, cats and myself. It also came with a very small price tag, considering its usefulness. https://www.harborfreight.com/30-inch-magnetic-sweeper-with-wheels-93245.html

 

[casportpony]

I know a magnet will not help in this particular case (finding shell casings), however, a good magnet is invaluable, especially in an old farm setting.

This is the one that I purchased that has found so many hidden dangers, not only to my birds, but to my horses, dogs, cats and myself. It also came with a very small price tag, considering its usefulness. https://www.harborfreight.com/30-inch-magnetic-sweeper-with-wheels-93245.html

I got get me one of those!

 

[Runner duck mom]

I'm so sorry! I know what you mean about thinking things must be too big to swallow, though. I have random bath toys for my littles. I had a couple of My Little Pony accessories I had kept for nostalgia purposes, and somehow Downey got an entire circular plastic comb that's about 2 1/2 or 3 inches all the way around completely in his mouth. I grabbed that thing from him so fast!

Lol, too curious for their own good sometimes and always getting into something.

 

[bluemerle]

For those wondering: I would honestly recommend going to a thrift store and picking up a used metal detector. Lots of people get them for treasure hunting & then never do anything with them and sell them. Otherwise get a cheap one with good ratings on Amazon. Most metal detectors work the same, unless you get a fancy pulse one, which are better (they can detect deeper, for one) but a lot pricier.

Also be aware that corrosion can affect detection! And that metal detectors only go so deep. It's always a good idea to do visual inspections of your run & do a quick scan frequently.

 

[Mimi13]

Hey @WannaBeHillBilly, y’all kin?

 

[Ratchnick]

One thing people don't think about is lead poisoning. If the ducks are exposed to lead their eggs will also be contamunated. Lead poisoning is especaly bad in children. You can buy test kits where you take samples of anything and send it off to be tested. You could test the soil in suspected areas, also specific egg tests will tell you if your poultry have been in contaminated areas.

 

[Ratchnick]

https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/poultry/2012/10/23/lead-in-eggs-from-urban-chickens/

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hey @WannaBeHillBilly, y’all kin?

View attachment 1991631

That is hilarious