How long to keep runner ducks locked up before free ranging?

[Crazy Maizie]

I'm so sorry to hear a fox got your sweet Mocha girl. I believe your right best to be on guard any time they are out. [Armed]

Yes. I was so sad, I couldn't post about it. I was totally heartbroken.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I bet you were. I sure know I would be.

 

[Callender Girl]

I am very sorry you lost your Mocha. I've also sometimes been so sad, I couldn't post anything.

But, I'm glad your runners are appreciating you.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I am very sorry you lost your Mocha. I've also sometimes been so sad, I couldn't post anything.

But, I'm glad your runners are appreciating you.

Thank you. She was special. Sweet and one of my first muscovy. I still feel guilty for letting them out that morning.

 

[Callender Girl]

I also understand the guilt thing. I forgot to close a coop door one night, and a mink came in and killed three of my four original hens.

Humans make mistakes, forget things, underestimate threats, fail to anticipate every single thing that could possibly go wrong. We just have to try to do our best and celebrate our successes.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh my gosh, one evening I closed everyone up for the night and went out next morning and there was one of my hens standing outside the coop to greet me. How she managed to live through the night with the predators we have. So now I have a headcount every evening. Sometimes 2-3 times to makes sure everyone is accounted for. I was so upset with myself. I've lost some chickens over the years from them flying out of the fence and getting picked off during the day. That was sad enough.