Ducks in the Orchard

[deenamr]

We are putting in an orchard over the next few months. It is going to be approx 70x100. Various fruit trees, grapes and a seperate berry patch in the end. I am thinking of allowing the ducks run of the orchard. I currently have 4 but am really wanting to hatch some ASAP. Will they destroy the orchard? Drill holes are not a big concern. I do plan to seperate the berries from the area the ducks are. They would have their swimming pool and I irrigate 3 days per week. Will eventually add a pond either this year or next.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

That sounds like a good plan. The ducks will love any beetles that come to the trees.

 

[houndit]

The drilling would probably not hurt the orchard unless you had a lot of ducks. Ours once dug a 4 foot long 4 inch deep trench under a trailer, but we had about 60 of them and some geese. They would probably do very well in the orchard. I have been told that they also will eat fruit that falls to the ground. We have a orchard but have not confined the ducks to it.

 

[LAMchop]

Sounds like a great idea! I've heard that poultry in the orchard will put a serious dent in the codling moth population, among other things. Worm-free apples would be wonderful!

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
Let, no encourage the ducks to eat dropped fruit. You would be suprized at the number of insects and diseases that overwinter in dropped fruit. It is one secret of organic farming that doesn't get mentioned much. It also helps to keep the grass trimmed short, all fruit farmers know that.

 

[deenamr]

You have all made it so easy. I really need to order duck eggs because I need more than 4 ducks in my orchard. Thank you.

 

[LoreenH]

You will also get free fertilizer for the orchard.

 

[gigi113]

Yay for this thread! I currently have a pair of toulouse geese, but I think I'm going to switch to ducks in my orchard!