Free ranging ducks how to keep them safe from predator???

[HollowOfWisps]

I have both flying and non-flying duck breeds that free range on a daily basis. We have 5 acres that we divided up into 1 acre fenced in sections with no climb livestock fencing and then ran two lines of electric on the outside to deter ground predators (one at the top and one at the bottom). Now my duck coop has a 12x12 run attached that is roofed in, has hardware cloth on the sides and the coop/run is in a 20x20 fenced in area. Then the whole 20x20 fenced area/coop/run is in one of the fenced in 1 acre pastures that has the electric on the outside. There are 3-4 trees and several bushes for protection from arial predators in the 1 acre fenced area that my coop is in and at night I lock everyone up into the coop/run. My ducks are out ranging from 8am-7pm (or whenever it starts to get dark). We have never had any issues free ranging, but our neighbors right next to us who also free range their ducks (they only have trees for protection with no fence/coop) have had several flocks picked off by foxes, racoons and coyotes. In fact the neighbors came over yesterday to look at our set-up because their last couple ducks were recently found dead. I know that I'm a bit paranoid and my Ft. Knox approach may be a bit excessive, but I absolutely adore my ducks. So in the end it really depends on where you live, what precautions you implement and what risks you're willing to take.

 

[Isaac 0]

@Isaac 0 @casportpony
I found this helpful thread, and with @Isaac 0 ’s information, is the 1ml per bird just a good average? If I over or under dose by some I assume they will absorb or pass excess? If I were giving over treats(mine like peas) should I give 1.5ml as some is sure to get lost in the shuffle? The treats seem much less stressful for both of us.

I think you are posting in the wrong thread?

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I think you are posting in the wrong thread?

Oops

 

[KaleIAm]

I have both flying and non-flying duck breeds that free range on a daily basis. We have 5 acres that we divided up into 1 acre fenced in sections with no climb livestock fencing and then ran two lines of electric on the outside to deter ground predators (one at the top and one at the bottom). Now my duck coop has a 12x12 run attached that is roofed in, has hardware cloth on the sides and the coop/run is in a 20x20 fenced in area. Then the whole 20x20 fenced area/coop/run is in one of the fenced in 1 acre pastures that has the electric on the outside. There are 3-4 trees and several bushes for protection from arial predators in the 1 acre fenced area that my coop is in and at night I lock everyone up into the coop/run. My ducks are out ranging from 8am-7pm (or whenever it starts to get dark). We have never had any issues free ranging, but our neighbors right next to us who also free range their ducks (they only have trees for protection with no fence/coop) have had several flocks picked off by foxes, racoons and coyotes. In fact the neighbors came over yesterday to look at our set-up because their last couple ducks were recently found dead. I know that I'm a bit paranoid and my Ft. Knox approach may be a bit excessive, but I absolutely adore my ducks. So in the end it really depends on where you live, what precautions you implement and what risks you're willing to take.

I don't think you are being excessive! If it works then you are clearly doing the right thing for you. Despite living in a high predator area myself I have never lost a duck to predators, and so I feel I am also doing the right thing, for myself.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I don't think you are being excessive! If it works then you are clearly doing the right thing for you. Despite living in a high predator area myself I have never lost a duck to predators, and so I feel I am also doing the right thing, for myself.

I'm glad someone understands! You can really tell the difference a ducks demeanor when they are able to roam around and forage in a larger space vs. being confined in a small space 24/7 (I love the cute little head bobbing they do when I let them out in the mornings). When my ducks are happy I'm happy so if it costs me some extra $$ and time to ensure they're safe while enjoying some freedom I have no problem going the extra mile.

 

[333113]

I have both flying and non-flying duck breeds that free range on a daily basis. We have 5 acres that we divided up into 1 acre fenced in sections with no climb livestock fencing and then ran two lines of electric on the outside to deter ground predators (one at the top and one at the bottom). Now my duck coop has a 12x12 run attached that is roofed in, has hardware cloth on the sides and the coop/run is in a 20x20 fenced in area. Then the whole 20x20 fenced area/coop/run is in one of the fenced in 1 acre pastures that has the electric on the outside. There are 3-4 trees and several bushes for protection from arial predators in the 1 acre fenced area that my coop is in and at night I lock everyone up into the coop/run. My ducks are out ranging from 8am-7pm (or whenever it starts to get dark). We have never had any issues free ranging, but our neighbors right next to us who also free range their ducks (they only have trees for protection with no fence/coop) have had several flocks picked off by foxes, racoons and coyotes. In fact the neighbors came over yesterday to look at our set-up because their last couple ducks were recently found dead. I know that I'm a bit paranoid and my Ft. Knox approach may be a bit excessive, but I absolutely adore my ducks. So in the end it really depends on where you live, what precautions you implement and what risks you're willing to take.

I have three acres, partly wooded, and I do enjoy seeing wildlife. But...when it comes to predators, the poet Robert Frost said it best, "Good fences make good neighbors."