Ducks with Acre Pond

[catherine222]

I have an acre pond and will be getting ducks. I'm thinking of placing their house on the bank of the pond next to the willows for protection (and winter weather.) How big would their home need to be for 10 runner ducks? Any and all information and suggestions for raising the ducks are welcomed. Thanks

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have an acre pond and will be getting ducks. I'm thinking of placing their house on the bank of the pond next to the willows for protection (and winter weather.)

Sounds lovely, welcome to BYC!

How will you protect them from predators like raccoon, weasel, skunk, etc? Ponds attract the whole host of them.

Here is a link that describes some of the common chicken predators in the Ohio area for your consideration..

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/...s, foxes, bobcats,skunks, rodents, and snakes.

Most of us have any openings in our coops covered with 1/2 inch hardware cloth and all the birds locked in every night, in addition to ground skirts etc to prevent digging in. Done correctly is completely effective against most (except perhaps bears).

I'm sure you will get more duck folks to chime in on appropriate house size and other considerations.. but for the sake of knowing a really good hatchery with EXCELLENT information and resources check the "info" tab at ...

https://www.metzerfarms.com/

They also have nice breed comparisons if you're not already set on that..

https://www.metzerfarms.com/compare-duck-breeds.html

Happy adventures!

 

[catherine222]

Sounds lovely, welcome to BYC!

How will you protect them from predators like raccoon, weasel, skunk, etc? Ponds attract the whole host of them.

Here is a link that describes some of the common chicken predators in the Ohio area for your consideration..

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/vme-22#:~:text=Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats,skunks, rodents, and snakes.

Most of us have any openings in our coops covered with 1/2 inch hardware cloth and all the birds locked in every night, in addition to ground skirts etc to prevent digging in. Done correctly is completely effective against most (except perhaps bears).

I'm sure you will get more duck folks to chime in on appropriate house size and other considerations.. but for the sake of knowing a really good hatchery with EXCELLENT information and resources check the "info" tab at ...

https://www.metzerfarms.com/

They also have nice breed comparisons if you're not already set on that..

https://www.metzerfarms.com/compare-duck-breeds.html

Happy adventures!

Thanks for all your advice