will duck wander from home? we have a pond, and so does our neighbor, a bigger, better one. we are both on 2 acre parcels. we are wanting to let the ducks free range, be on teh pond, and lock them up at night. or will they end up in the neighbors yard?
anyone, even a guesstimate. I really want ducks. but, hubby won't if they are prone to wandering, as he wants them on the pond, and free ranging.
Hi, One set of ducks that I knew of would free range around the neighborhood whenever they depleted or became bored with their current foraging spot (distance unknown however). My current ducks won't leave more than 50 feet from their "home base" unless I walk with them to go foraging. However, they are still considered ducklings at 11 weeks so they might change. It might also be a social thing with them if I tag along. So I think it would depend on the duck and how they were raised, and if your free ranging area can support their appetite. As far as distance/area, no idea. Oh and never let the ducks discover how to get to a better pond. Are there any turtles in your pond? Hope that helps a little.
My 20+ ducks know where their food and treats comes from and while we have 260 acres, they stay right around the house on less than a acre. They don't wander far at all, and even the muscovy who can fly only fly around but never away.
no turtles in the pond, but, lots of frogs. lots of slugs on the property too. ewww. they can't see the neighbors pond due to tall grasses right now. but, in winter they might. will wild ducks visit them? and cause issue. hmmm. good to know that they won't stray too far from home. I need ducks !!!!!
My ducks have occasionally popped out of their temporary fence, but they don't go more than a few feet away from the flock. I think if they are hand raised with plenty of attention, (read treats and gentleness), they are not likely to go far. An exception would be if they were frightened by something - a predator or a storm, for example. But I have heard a story or two of them returning after things calmed down. I keep mine in a day pen and night pen because we are on a small lot and there is a long list of predators in the area. I let them work in the garden with me, though.
