Days old pekins

[Soon2BChixMom]

Yeah theres a 5x12 window in the back, And vents in the bottom, and the spaces between the rafters, So air can pass right threw

I wish the run was 100% covered but its not feasable right now and i wouldnt get the space i want

Its a rural area there shouldnt be any predators in the day but i know the worst can always happen

Hawks are active during the day. As well, even those predators that are more active during the night come out during the day too. Racoons come to mind. I have seen coyote and fox out during the day as well. Never say never especially when it comes to poultry. Just go skimming through the predator and pest forum and skim through the posts where they thought predators would not attack during the day.
Could you put some of the fencing over the top? Maybe so that you could roll it back when you need access?

 

[Jpat]

What iam realy trying to accomplish is free range contained to my property,

I have alot to think about now

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

What iam realy trying to accomplish is free range contained to my property,

I have alot to think about now

A lot of people who free range have a large flock. They know there is always the possibility of one getting taken by a predator. If that is your goal, you will need to provide your ducks with plenty of hiding places - thick bushes, pallets stood up at an angle, etc. If it were me and I was thinking of free ranging, I would do a search here to see what others provide their birds so that they can hide if needed.
Maybe your ducks could be part-time free rangers - only ranging when you are out there?

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's a good place for them you did a good job on the house. My houses are all made out of scrap wood from when my son was in construction boy they throw away a lot of good wood so he'd bring it to us. We were able to get 2 coops out of it. windows from habitat. it's amazing what can be done with scraps and used stuff.
I have half acre fenced but not covered so there is always the chance a predator can get in here too. And we live very wooded. But thank goodness it's never happened. Seen many on the game camera but we also have 4 dogs that bark a lot so maybe that is a deterrent , anyway I am sure your 2 little ones are enjoying what you have made for them sure looked like they liked their pool.

Yes just reading what Sooon2Be said very important they have cover. Also maybe check into old CD and fishing line strung around so it blows in the wind and the shine off the cds may keep hawks at bay I do use predator tape it is especially helpful in winter when all the leaves are off the trees. Even an old table set up in their space so they have something to hide under would work. Think outside of the box.

 

[Jpat]

Its never ending with these birds around. Its so frustrating i work 75 hours a week and have only a few hours on the weekends to implement anything and its pouring rain today

Everything becomes a rushed mess.

But i like it i guess sorry to vent

Iam thinking they will be alrite. they have to be at this point i cant move further. The only animal ive seen was a porkapine (aka pricklePig) in the last 9 months and iam around all hours of the night with work

 

[Miss Lydia]

Wow those things can sure cause an ouch. Hopefully the ducks never encounter one.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

It has been raining so much here that my ducks think they have a mud spa in their run. Or else the heat is so high, there is no way to work in it.
It is a never ending type of work.
My husband used to dairy farm with his parents - he says - you're a farmer now. Lol

 

[Jpat]

Haha thanks. and the highway takes care of the pricklepigs, they are in no way intimidating unless their cornered

 

[Miss Lydia]

I understand dogs have a hard time leaving them alone even when they have already met up with one before. Thankfully we don't have them this far down. Skunks are bad enough Phew Whee.

 

[Jpat]

Skunks here but the tree police will catch them of their sighted and you call