Leaving Ducks Outside to Roam.... Predators?

[DuckyDonna]

I think they do use drones! ha ha - still I won't worry about it - the drones would probably catch the ducks on camera too so who cares?

Oh, so you're not allowed to have ducks?

 

[Duck Lady1]

I didn't ask.

I know on the other side of the neighborhood is a woman with a pet goose. The neighborhood loves it.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Thank you, everyone! This is a lot to take in. Fortunately for now, they sleep inside at night. I'll start with the hardware cloth and set up their dog kennel (there are only 3 ducks) next to the pool so they can escape when they need to. I'll also try predator tape below the fence line.

I'm wondering too if the pond is just outside of my gate, if I can eventually let them roam on the pond and sleep in the kennel at night.

sure if they will come in

I didn't ask.

I know on the other side of the neighborhood is a woman with a pet goose. The neighborhood loves it.

I just went back and looked to see what breed of ducks you have and how old they are but I didn't see. What've you got?

 

[DuckyDonna]

sure if they will come in

I just went back and looked to see what breed of ducks you have and how old they are but I didn't see. What've you got?

Also sine there is a pond there with all kinds of ducks and stuff maybe they don't care if you've got a few ducks as pets?

 

[Duck Lady1]

sure if they will come in

I just went back and looked to see what breed of ducks you have and how old they are but I didn't see. What've you got?

Jumbo peking - 3

 

[Beaglegal]

So does no one leave their ducks out during the day to roam? Seems like they should be able to enjoy the backyard.

I leave mine out, they free range all day. I have just set up some additional places for them to shelter and I accept that there is risk I could lose ducks to predators. It just sounded in your original question, that you wanted reassurance that they would be safe and you can’t guarantee that when you free range

 

[Duck Lady1]

I leave mine out, they free range all day. I have just set up some additional places for them to shelter and I accept that there is risk I could lose ducks to predators. It just sounded in your original question, that you wanted reassurance that they would be safe and you can’t guarantee that when you free range

Thanks - needed to hear that. I guess I want them to run free and enjoy their lives rather than be couped up and under netting all the time. I think I'll go with a really good shelter at night and keep it close to their pool so they can escape when they need to.

I noticed since they've been outside some holes showing up in my yard where they hang out - snakes maybe???

 

[Beaglegal]

I can't worry about the snakes - there's too much else to worry about!!!

Does anyone just accept this risk of all of this? Dare I ask? (I had ducks in my back yard about 5 years straight while I was growing up and I think since we didn't have the Internet to ask anyone about it we just didn't worry and nothing ever happened.

Yes I accept the risk. I add things that I think will reduce risk, but I know mine are happier with their freedom to roam. If I had more predators I would have more risk, and I might make a different decision

 

[DuckyDonna]

Now that I know what you've got are you giving them B-complex on their treats or food? Those big ole birds need extra niacin for their legs to support their massive weight.

 

[Beaglegal]

Thanks - needed to hear that. I guess I want them to run free and enjoy their lives rather than be couped up and under netting all the time. I think I'll go with a really good shelter at night and keep it close to their pool so they can escape when they need to.

I noticed since they've been outside some holes showing up in my yard where they hang out - snakes maybe???

Yes, night is when they are the most vulnerable. Investing in a good night time shelter is worth it