Free Range Ducks

[lainee7777]

Do the young ducks need to be kept in a pen or can I let them out to run around outside during the day. We have a 5 acre acre farm, and we want them to enjoy everything outside as well. How do I train them to come in there pen at night?

 

[Amiga]

I am a very protective duck mom, so I have my ducks in a day pen when I am not right with them. Together, we ramble around our little acre of woods and gardens, and have a blast! But when I am not there, they are in a fenced area (top, bottom, sides) with swim pan, water, food, grit, shelter and bedding.

Got any pics?

 

[Going Quackers]

Your mileage will vary on the answer to this. We free range our ducks daily and then lock them in a barn at night to avoid the pesky jerks who want duck dinner.

Now, i do have a hen and her week old in a pen for safety sake. We originally started penning them and herding them back to the barn, this eventually led to just letting them go, they herd back into the barn @ nightfall ...

 

[EmAbTo48]

Ours free range all day however they are adults 3-4 years old. This year was the first year of a terrible attack during the day from a Eagle we lost 3 of our hens. I still am free ranging but they have now stuck much closer to home then wondering so far off on our farm. As for young ones how old are you talking? I just bought 5 month old hens 3 to replace the ones we lost and they are fine out with the rest.

They learned with in 3 days of herding them into there shelter at night to just go into it once night falls and they have kept this up every night.

I would just be prepared that you might lose some if they free range thats just what you give for them being able to wonder the property freely.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Whether or not you can free range depends upon what predators you have in your area. Ducks are tasty and unable to defend themselves.