Keeping Egrets/Herons away from duck pen?

[RosemaryDuck]

So, not really a predator or a pest! But I wasn't sure where to put this. I never really worried about the little egrets or herons because they're so small.

A little bit ago, I went out to check the ducks and saw one of those little cattle egrets trying to get some food through the fence. The ducks weren't bothered, but I'm worried about parasites, mites, etc that the egret could pass on. Is there any way to shoo them or scare them away from the pens? I do not want to (nor can I legally) hurt them, so please do not suggest it. Thanks!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Maybe smaller fencing so that their beaks can’t get through.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I agree with the smaller fencing idea; you may have to deter the egrets and herons from reaching in same as you would prevent a raccoon reaching in with their hands. But gotta ask, is it not possible to move the duck food to a place the egrets cant reach?

Also, egrets & herons aren't as harmless as one might think. They are no threat to grown chickens and ducks. But egrets and herons are carnivorous, and they Do eat wild ducklings when they can catch them, & so are a potential threat to tame ducklings and chicks too. Their main diet consists of fish, frogs, crayfish, rodents, and also whatever else they can catch.

 

[RosemaryDuck]

I agree with the smaller fencing idea; you may have to deter the egrets and herons from reaching in same as you would prevent a raccoon reaching in with their hands. But gotta ask, is it not possible to move the duck food to a place the egrets cant reach?

Also, egrets & herons aren't as harmless as one might think. They are no threat to grown chickens and ducks. But egrets and herons are carnivorous, and they Do eat wild ducklings when they can catch them, & so are a potential threat to tame ducklings and chicks too. Their main diet consists of fish, frogs, crayfish, rodents, and also whatever else they can catch.

Oh I moved the food, I just didn't want them hanging around since they know it's there now. The pen is enclosed with a layer of hawk net/mesh over it. I'm not worried about them getting in as much as just...spreading poop/mites/parasites around the general area.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Ok good you were able to move the duck food out of reach. I had wondered if the run layout somehow prevented it. Well then hopefully they will soon go away once they realize they cant reach the food anymore.