Predators to most watch out for

[enola]

Ravensgait can you post some pictures of your fenced in pen. I'm about to build mine out of 2x4 Frames. 20' x 16' and 5 foot high all enclosed with the basic 1" chicken wire. For 4 ducks. Hope it would work

Chicken wire will not predator proof your run. It will keep chickens in, but will not keep most predators out.

 

[CGilbert]

Chicken wire will not predator proof your run. It will keep chickens in, but will not keep most predators out.

Sadly: x2

 

[JimLad]

Minks are my main predator here on Vancouver Island.
There are no foxes or coyotes here although there are in the rest of Canada. I've also lost one bird to a hawk, another to a raccoon and one badly mauled by a feral cat.
I have mink and raccoon traps set at all times and my runs have wooden flooring and 3/4" hardware cloth. The most recent run has a 1/4" spacing between the floor boards and hardware cloth underneath.
The hens are allowed to free-range on days when I know I can be there at dusk to lock them in and the muscovies only get out when I can be there. Anyone who's had a mink attack will understand this. Also, when the muscovies are out, their shed is locked.
When the hens are out, the main door to the henhouse is wide open to facilitate escape.
That's just the way it is when there are so many predators.
I'll be giving up on the muscovies and am looking for some other waterfowl to replace them. They are simply no match for fast, furry things and locking them up 23 hours a day brings joy to none of us.

 

[fuzzy8]

If chicken wire is not enough then what do you recommend on how I do this?

 

[Amiga]

I responded on the New to Ducks thread.

 

[ravensgait]

Fuzzy, in the process of building some new pens for my daughters latest passion Wood duck morphs , will try to get some pics posted for ya .

 

[enola]

If chicken wire is not enough then what do you recommend on how I do this?

Welded wire will keep them much safer. Choose a size that will keep raccoons, cats and Hawks from reaching through the holes. I use 1/2 x 1 inch wire.

It is expensive! But, the first time you come home to dead chickens spread all over your property will probably help you justify the expense!

 

[fuzzy8]

Ok thank you

 

[JimLad]

Also goes by the name of hardware cloth, fuzzy 8.

 

[cayugaducklady]

Check with your county or state game warden. They should be able to tell you predators and may even be able to suggest ways to keep your ducks and pets safe .