Is my situation right for ducks?

[BallsEleven]

I have been researching a while into keeping ducks in my backyard for the purpose of eggs and maybe the occasional gumbo bird. I figured that best thing to do would be to ask some people who have experience.

Right now I sit on a 1/2 acre and they would be kept in the backyard which is a little over half the property. No trees except for the 4 fruit trees I have planted this year. The yard is also surrounded by 8ft privacy fence. They shouldn't be able to get over that right?

There are no woods near the subdivision so I would think my biggest predator concern would be hawks. I have never seen any raccoons or possums so I wouldn't think they would be a huge problem. I have blue berry bushes and a large swing set they can use for cover if needed.

I live in Louisiana so it's hot and humid here. There should be enough shade for summer days between bushes, swing set, and the back patio.

My plan would be to keep their pen/coop open during the day to let them forage the backyard and bring them in at night. I would have to fill in a spot or 2 where the fence is off the ground a bit but it wouldn't be much trouble at all. I would start off with 3-4 and go from there.

There are more details I can give but I don't want to hit y'all with too big of a wall of text.

I appreciate any advice/help you can give!

Geaux Tigers!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Sounds like a plan as long as you have a secure pen where they can be enclosed when the predators come - and eventually they will come. Good luck.

 

[PirateGirl]

It sounds like you have adequate space. I don't see them escaping as most domestic ducks cannot really fly. You mention a swing set and a patio. I want to mention that ducks poop a lot. It is liquid and can be projectile. If you don't want duck poop on your patio you will need a way to keep them off. If you don't want kids (I'm assuming there are kids since you said swing set) running through duck poop, the ducks may need their own separate area. Ducks are fun and lay great eggs. I say go for it! Double check the zoning of your property and make sure it's permitted first, it's a terrible thing to find out afterwards and have to part with them if it's not allowed. Ducks are not difficult to keep as pets and quite entertaining. Good luck!

 

[bhaugh]

I have muscovies. Very minimal sound. Not great layers but pretty personable. They like to dip in the pool once a day and look for snacks in the yard. I like them. But they do have claws and can use them if need be

 

[sourland]

I would suggest having a covered pen that could be utilized for safety from aerial predators when needed.

 

[Texag87]

You are correct about the hawks being your biggest danger but woods or not, do not forget about the raccoons. 8 foot fence is great for keeping out coyotes .


Geaux Tigers in the playoffs. (LSU notClemson).

 

[BallsEleven]

Also, if anyone has recommendations/pictures of coop designs for hot humid weather it would be much appreciated.

Everything I have read has said ventilation is key but it seems odd to have a completely open coop.

I was thinking of something like this but maybe open up the side a bit more by bringing the mesh halfway down.

 

[BallsEleven]

Thank you!

Yes I plan on building a 4x4 coop for them to go in at night and leave open during the day.

As far as a pen outside of that I haven’t gotten that far yet. That was one of my concerns, letting them free roam throughout the yard while at work during the day.

 

[springvalley123]

I used to have a small flock of ducks, and they had ducklings, etc. so I think ducks are very fun to have around. Assuming you don't get muscovies, the ducks can quack pretty loud, about as loud as a rooster for some of them. I'd make sure the neighbors are OK with the idea, if there area any very close. Also, assuming no muscovies, most mallard-derived duck breeds can barely clear a couple of feet off the ground, that's been my observation with runners, black swedish, crested, but some people might say khaki campbells can go higher. But the 8 foot fence is way higher than you need so I say you're quite safe with that height. For predator-safe run, there are many options including starting with a 10x10x6 dog run and adding hardware cloth. For keeping them cool, I used a kiddie wading pool, and later a 20-gallon mixing tub, which they enjoy splashing around in (and mating in). I hope you enjoy your duck endeavors!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I have muscovies. Very minimal sound. Not great layers but pretty personable. They like to dip in the pool once a day and look for snacks in the yard. I like them. But they do have claws and can use them if need be

My Muscovy don't make noise either.