Free Ranging Ducks

[PDurkin]

Hey everybody,

I have about 14 -- nineteen week old ducks. Many different breeds, and wanted to free range them when the snow finally melts. They have never free ranged before, but I think they will benefit. How can I train my flock to stay on the acre of land that I own (in a private neighborhood with little traffic, maybe 3 cars an hour) Will they go in there coop on there own at night?

 

[critterranch]

its just the same as free ranging chickens. they do what they want and they go to bed by themshelf. i trained mine at 8 weeks to go to bed at night. that was the easy part. when you train them to go to bed just do at the same time veryday. they learn quick.

 

[BarredBuff]

My ducks stay close to the houses and they venture out some they do just fine....

 

[sourland]

Far more worrisome-how do you plan on controlling whatever will come into your yard hunting your ducks?

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
A good guard dog remedies that.....

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
A good guard dog remedies that.....

Only if you are lucky enough to have one who does not kill your birds once in a while.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

I think it comes down to breed. Some dogs were bred solely to act as Livestock guardians. The great Pyrenees is an excellent flock guardian.

I have a Great Pyrenees/Saint Bernard mix and I would trust him with any of my birds, any day. He lays in the yard while they nibble on his legs and fur.

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
A good guard dog remedies that.....

Only if you are lucky enough to have one who does not kill your birds once in a while.

If you kennel him he wont.........

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

That and I think if you get a puppy or a young dog and raise him around your birds, it helps too.

 

[critterranch]

my dachshund was apotated at 2 years old never seen a farm animal before. after a week they were fine together. my dog never gets tied up / no kennels/no fences/ no under ground fences.. as my 3 cats they all rome free. they all share fresh water outside in summer when i get the hose out. they all drink outta the same water trough. will have to get pic this summer.