Living on a Lake - Is it safe to free range our runner ducks

[swedishhill]

Hello we are a family living in the mountains of WV we raise chickens and have recently got 4 runner chicks. They are just about 7 weeks old and ready to go into their small coop with enclosed fencing. All of our chickens are free range and roam our very large ground during the day and head to their coops at night. We live on a somewhat large lake surrounded by woods and a camp ground. My question is do we have to keep them enclosed with a baby pool or will they be able to forage and enjoy the lake and know to return at night? We are talking about lots of woods and lots of water....I see wild ducks and geese out on the water all the time. My fear is that they will get lost and not know their way home or maybe eaten by a turtle or something. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[dairyman]

mmmmmmm........Do you have snapping turtles in that area? They'll eat your babies sure as the world. If you want them in the lake, though, you can make a wire corral from your pen to the lake and run some wire a ways into the lake. Like wire on both sides, and under the water so that the turtles cannot get to them in that area. Just try to make sure that they can't get out of that area of wire. Good Luck!!!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, swedishhill, and

! Great to have you aboard! I'm not sure how you'll keep them out of the lake! I'd worry about turtles as well as hawks plus if they go ashore in a remote area of the lake they might get snatched by a ground predator. One always has to balance the risks with the rewards of free-ranging. Good luck to you!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome.....so glad you joined BYC

Good luck on your decision with the ducks.....dont know what I would do either ???

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!