Building a natural habitat for ducks/geese in Houston

[Wifezilla]

I have plants in line in the filter. NOT in the pond. Notice the poutry netting around my plants

Google Skippy Filters. Mine is doing great.

 

[FenDruadin]

My little mini-doxie/Cavalier mix does great with the ducks. But she is VERY obedient/submissive. She does love to "nose" the ducklings. I did basically what you suggest--I watched her with them in a cage for a while, then when they were a week & a half old, I let her nose them with me standing right there. I told her "uh-uh" if she started to get excited, and insisted that she sit or stand still to investigate them (NO chasing). They would come up to her and talk to her, and she would nose nose nose them.

After about a week, I became convinced from her behavior that she is pretty trustworthy with them. She is still around them only when I'm there too, but I don't feel like I have to watch her constantly.

The adult ducks can hold their own with her. She only weighs ten pounds, after all! But I have never let her chase them--it's not good for them. The only thing she's allowed to chase are squirrels & balls (the former she loves passionately, the second not so much).

I think you're on the right track for introducing the dog & the ducks. Hopefully, they'll get to be good friends. My ducklings think my dog is part of the flock. And she is.

 

[Soccer Mom]

I think you have the right idea on introducing them, but I would never leave her unsupervised with them. Just safer that way. Since she only goes out on the patio with you, that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[jtd002]

Wow! This is about the friendliest forum site I've ever been on. Thanks for all the responses.

On the subject of food, I'm of the mind to stock a pond with fish, frogs, plants, worms in the garden, etc than feeding them Purina Duck Chow. Does anyone have any suggestions about an appropriate mix of food that keeps them well fed and healthy?

Also what about vet visits and vaccinations? Are most suburban vets well trained in duck medicine?

 

[Wifezilla]

Most suburban vets wont know a lot about ducks, but if you find an avian specialist, you might be in luck.

 

[FenDruadin]

Yup, the dog is never unsupervised with them. I just don't have to stand over her all the time like I did at first.

Ducks don't need vaccinations. In fact, I don't know of any vaccinations that are even safe for ducks. They're pretty hardy. Just keep them healthy.

If they have plenty of wild forage, they don't need as much food, but it's still a good idea to supplement. Mine don't eat much chow in the summer, but plenty in the winter. It helps them stay in good form.