How sensitive are duck feet?

[Robbie]

I'm wanting to try to keep my Runner Ducks out of a small area of ferns and hosta. I've already invested in two rows of landscaping pavers (approximately 14" tall) but they have no problem climbing right over. I was looking on the Gardners.com website and they are advertising a product called "Scat Mat" to keep cats, dogs, and raccoons out of gardens. Scat Mat works because of their sensitive paws. Since the mat is spiky, I'm wondering if it would also keep my ducks away too. I know that ducks are not sensitive to freezing cold in their feet but I didn't know if that also applied to other surfaces. Any help and knowledge would be appreciated before I invest.

 

[lomine]

I would advice against using anything spiky. If the skin of the foot is punctured it could get infected, causing bumblefoot. A 3 ft fence should keep them out. I think even those decorative metal landscaping ones would work fine.

 

[Robbie]

Good point. Thanks for your reply.