- May 17, 2010
- 19
- 0
- 22
We purchased 2 Pekin ducks about 1 1/2 months ago. We have raised them in our home and gradually moved them outside. We have a 1 acre pond right behind our house. This last week my husband built a predator proof box for them to sleep in at night. Last night when I went to put them up one of them came running to the house and I realized he was alone. I grabbed him and went looking for our other one. I didn't see him so I ran to get my husband who found feathers at the back of the pond. I am devasted more so for Duey (who is left) as they were inseperable,a nd what he went through! They didn't move without each other. I had a hard time adjusting them to the pond and Duey was really scared without his feet touching and Luey(who has passed) was braver and more friendly finally got him a bit used to it. They would feed at the edge and come on the bank to rest. I would go and put them in their duck box on the evenings, but I had to wait until they came out of the pond.
I am not sure what to do. I have already ordered 2 weeks ago 8 more ducks and 2 geese from Metzer Farms. I was thinking safety in numbers? And maybe the geese would alert or warn us of predators. Now I am scared of having any I don't want to raise these babies to feed the wild. We have coyotes, raccoons, possums, snakes, armadillo(not that they matter), and hawks. So one of these must have gotten Luey.
My husband thinks that he can set up a baited trap to trap them until we trap no more, but he travels 5 days a week out of town. And I have no one here to help with that.
I thought of finding Duey a home and trying to cancel my order they are supposed to be here June 17th.
And then I thought of finding Duey a friend to comfort him but the only thing we have available to us right now are Mallards so what if a predator comes and they fly off and leave Dewy?
The Front of the pond is clear cut grass, one side the bank is clear cut on the top but the side is steep and brushy and then two sides back up to woods. I wish we could cut and keep it clear all the way around but we haven't made it far and due to the way our property is situated and the drain off and wet ground we don't have that option right now. We were originally wanted the ducks to help eat the weeds and such around the pond. But also wanted them to be part of the family and pets.
What do you recommend what should we do with Dewy, with more ducks? Dewy is inside right now as I am terrified that the something is out there waiting for more.
Thanks in advance.
I am not sure what to do. I have already ordered 2 weeks ago 8 more ducks and 2 geese from Metzer Farms. I was thinking safety in numbers? And maybe the geese would alert or warn us of predators. Now I am scared of having any I don't want to raise these babies to feed the wild. We have coyotes, raccoons, possums, snakes, armadillo(not that they matter), and hawks. So one of these must have gotten Luey.
My husband thinks that he can set up a baited trap to trap them until we trap no more, but he travels 5 days a week out of town. And I have no one here to help with that.
I thought of finding Duey a home and trying to cancel my order they are supposed to be here June 17th.
And then I thought of finding Duey a friend to comfort him but the only thing we have available to us right now are Mallards so what if a predator comes and they fly off and leave Dewy?
The Front of the pond is clear cut grass, one side the bank is clear cut on the top but the side is steep and brushy and then two sides back up to woods. I wish we could cut and keep it clear all the way around but we haven't made it far and due to the way our property is situated and the drain off and wet ground we don't have that option right now. We were originally wanted the ducks to help eat the weeds and such around the pond. But also wanted them to be part of the family and pets.
What do you recommend what should we do with Dewy, with more ducks? Dewy is inside right now as I am terrified that the something is out there waiting for more.
Thanks in advance.
