Is it ok to let ducks sleep outside on pond before shed is built?

[User635240]

Hi, my flock of 40+ ducks have been patiently waiting indoors (in the barn for month) while a trapper cleared the pond and I installed an electric netting fence all the way around the pond. It may take another week to assemble a 6*12 shed or sheds for them located inside the fence. Would it be ok to move them to the pond today just to get them back on the water? Will they be ok at night with no shelter for a week? Asking also about smaller ducks like 2mo muscovies. I could assemble a tent or similar today so there's something minimal.

 

[Debbie292d]

Depends mostly on the weather where you are. If not below 50s at night they'd be okay. I would first be afraid of predators but sounds like you've got it protected.

With a few, I'd use a cardboard or wooden box on its side to at least give them some kind of shelter for at night, but with 40 of them a tent of some type is all I can think of.

 

[User635240]

Depends mostly on the weather where you are. If not below 50s at night they'd be okay. I would first be afraid of predators but sounds like you've got it protected.

With a few, I'd use a cardboard or wooden box on its side to at least give them some kind of shelter for at night, but with 40 of them a tent of some type is all I can think of.

I'll try to herd them back into the barn at night until their shed is built.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’m afraid you’re going to lose some if you leave them out without shelter and a way to close them up. Owls are a big danger at night they can fly into a pond protected by electric netting fence

 

[User635240]

I’m afraid you’re going to lose some if you leave them out without shelter and a way to close them up. Owls are a big danger at night they can fly into a pond protected by electric netting fence

Would a tarp on a few tposts be good for shelter or does the shelter need to be a closed structure?
Would it help if I slept by the pond with a dog until their shed is built?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I like the idea of you sleeping by the pond with a dog
You know what is best for your flock I just know here there is no way I could leave my 21 waterfowl outside over night and them all be here in the morning.

 

[PatriciafromCO]

my first exposure to anyone owning ducks is a guy who trained his ducks to follow him down to a pond and then follow him back to the barn at his house. He used a bucket of feed shaking it. and they would only eat breakfast at the pond and only eat dinner at the barn. The ducks grew up and would walk down by themselves and bring themselves back home without him. Thought it was cool...

 

[User635240]

I did that for 8 months (herding them in at night). It was a fantastic waste of time. until predators started picking off the ducks last month, lost five in five days. So the ducks were in the barn with the chickens and goats for a month while I figured out a new plan (trapper and electric fence) thanks in large part to input from this forum. It was bad for the ducks' legs and the barn sanitation. I was really eager to get them back outside asap.

my first exposure to anyone owning ducks is a guy who trained his ducks to follow him down to a pond and then follow him back to the barn at his house. He used a bucket of feed shaking it. and they would only eat breakfast at the pond and only eat dinner at the barn. The ducks grew up and would walk down by themselves and bring themselves back home without him. Thought it was cool...

 

[PatriciafromCO]

I did that for 8 months (herding them in at night). It was a fantastic waste of time. until predators started picking off the ducks last month, lost five in five days. So the ducks were in the barn with the chickens and goats for a month while I figured out a new plan (trapper and electric fence) thanks in large part to input from this forum. It was bad for the ducks' legs and the barn sanitation. I was really eager to get them back outside asap.

am sorry to hear that, it is much easier when they listen to you. Can imagine the fustration of herding them. Everyone here answers to puppy puppy puppy, mine both birds and fowl are not cuddly, but they listen and follow finger pointing or certain words. I have the appleyard breed and great personalities. I do have dogs in the areas, predators are relentless. Was dark and trying to convince the geese to stop the pool party, when a cyote jumped the 6ft chain link fence and came running straight for me and the geese sitting right outside the barn. It was my dogs that bolted out of the barn to chase it over the fence. the LGD's have been a good thing.

 

[User635240]

Miraculously!! Just now they all got spooked at dusk and came to the edge of the fence... Once guided a bit they ran single file straight back into the barn!