I find my ducks on the water late at night...

[Caoilinnkaylin]

For the past six weeks I moved my 3 peking from their contained environment in my fenced in backyard where they looked bored and hot and bored with their little pool... to the open pond just outside my backyard (it has about a dozen ⅓ acre lots around it). The neighbors love them, the ducks love it-- it's been great.

I keep a dog crate under a tree and every night I go out there and gently get them in the crate where they are protected until morning.

Lately when I've gone out there at night, I always find them out on the pond at night. They see me and come to greet me and eagerly go to the crate because they know I'll be giving them their bedtime snack.

My sons tell me, "mom, they look so happy under the stars on the pond... why don't you just let them sleep out there." Preditors!

What do you think though - should I let them sleep on the pond at night?

I don’t think they should be in a crate. A wild animal could come and tear there heads off unfortunately and they will have nowhere to run. The pond is a fine option but you could also build a little shelter for them near the pond maybe?

 

[Duck Lady1]

Thank you. I'm about to get a duck house - I don't want a large one for a couple of reasons - we are a suburban neighborhood and the HOA won't be happy - and - I only plan to have them there in the night time - there are only 3 pekings, so I think they will be comfortable in a small place and it will be easier for me to maintain. And I'm on a very limited budget. Thanks so much guys!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Thank you. I'm about to get a duck house - I don't want a large one for a couple of reasons - we are a suburban neighborhood and the HOA won't be happy - and - I only plan to have them there in the night time - there are only 3 pekings, so I think they will be comfortable in a small place and it will be easier for me to maintain. And I'm on a very limited budget. Thanks so much guys!

Best of luck!

 

[Duck Lady1]

So I'm on an extremely tight budget. I think this one will work if I make sure I reinforce the openings - like put a latch on the feeding door.
https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/tuc...-small-animal-hutch-with-ramp-w002968279.html

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

So I'm on an extremely tight budget. I think this one will work if I make sure I reinforce the openings - like put a latch on the feeding door.
https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/tuc...-small-animal-hutch-with-ramp-w002968279.html

It looks good but a lot of the kit products aren’t very sturdy and can be ripped apart by a raccoon or dog. A rabbit hutch on the ground would work for three ducks though... Have you tried FB marketplace and Craigslist in your area? I’ve bought new rabbit hutches from FB marketplace ads and often see them for sale, new and used. You might be able to find a very inexpensive used one made from a 2x4 frame and much sturdier than the Wayfair one. If need be, you could cut the legs down so it’s a good height for ducks.