Free Ranging Call Ducks

[duckboatprincess]

Just wondering... Does anyone here free range their call ducks? I have heard that they can fly but if they're with eight other ducks who can't, will they stick around?

 

[foxhollow]

Yes they stay where the food is

We have a 4' fence around our pond and most stay inside. We occasionally have a pair who decides they want some privacy and they will venture out, but most of them never leave the yard.
marilyn

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

I keep mine in a pen at night (4 foot to 6 foot high fence, depending on which area you're standing) but they go out during the day with everyone else.

They stick pretty close, usually. I have 10 calls and 8 swedish (the swedish are going to the sale this friday) and 3 geese. The only one of mine who flies very often is the blue drake - and he is usually just trying to catch up to his girls

. He gets distracted and they wander off and leave him.

If they know where the food is and where the pool/pond is, they'll stick around ok for you.

Only problem with free ranging is that Hawks see call ducks as a tasty meal, so ya got to watch the skies more often than with bigger ducks and geese. I lost one call duck to a hawk early this spring. Naturally it was my lone blue female, not one of the ones I had plenty of colors of

meri

 

[duckboatprincess]

I'm sorry about your girl. Our pond is in the woods so it's pretty well covered with trees. My babies aren't very old but I wanted to start planning ahead with them. If you have to herd your ducks in at night, will the calls fly or jsut waddle/run with the others?