Looking for ideas with my duck and dog situation

[mrrr0809]

We acquired four ducklings that are now four weeks old. We have a vizsla mix that does great with them and simply doesn't bother with them. She's not the problem. My goal for them was to be able to allow the ducks to eventually free range in our backyard which is a little over an acre. I had them out today and sure enough, our neighbor's Jack Russell came over and ran after the ducks. He wasn't in kill mode- more so rough play it seemed. He trampled on them and gave them a swat with his paw before I was able to end it. This was his first interaction with them. He comes over regularly just to smell around and try to play with our dog. Our neighbors are very nice people. It's not as easy as asking them to keep the dog on their property. The caveat is that we live in a subdivision on 4 acre lots that have deed restrictions. One of the deed restrictions states that we are not to have livestock- no chickens or ducks. I think if I talk to them about their dog, they may pursue that the deed restrictions be maintained. I don't want to make enemies. Is penning the ducks permanently my only/best option you think?

 

[ryanhodapp]

I live in the city and we have these "restrictions" a lot in the small towns.
The dog should stay on its property unless invited. BUT, if you want to keep your ducks safe, fence them. It can be a big area. I use that livestock fencing that is about 2 x 3 and the temporary fence poles. I got mine at Lowes. Probably not what you dreamed of....


you can also ask dog owner to let you "train" their dog. start by using a leash so that you can control it better.
Get a spray bottle of water to spray at dog when acting in a negative manner. Then he will associate spray bottle with ducks.

I have heard of adding lemon juice to water too.

Good luck

 

[Miss Lydia]

Jack Russell's are known diggers so you will need to make a secure non digging area around and under what ever fencing you use.This is the only way to keep them safe. and i would ask them if they would work with you to train their dog not to mess with the ducks, but no guarantees there, Only safe secure housing & fencing will work.

 

[mrrr0809]

Thanks for the feedback! I've never owned a terrier, but the being diggers is something I've always remembered. I could see him tag teaming with a raccoon and then splitting the reward...kidding of course.
You guys are absolutely right about something I had not considered- simply asking them to allow me to train/expose the ducks to him.
Are russells known aggressors for larger birds? Since he's not an aggressive dog per say to begin with, what are the chances a grown drake will have the ability to scare him off from the flock?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for the feedback! I've never owned a terrier, but the being diggers is something I've always remembered. I could see him tag teaming with a raccoon and then splitting the reward...kidding of course.
You guys are absolutely right about something I had not considered- simply asking them to allow me to train/expose the ducks to him.
Are russells known aggressors for larger birds? Since he's not an aggressive dog per say to begin with, what are the chances a grown drake will have the ability to scare him off from the flock?

A grown drake has no defenses what so ever except a bill and no teeth. he may try though and get killed in the process. Even if you trained their dog you could never let them be together un supervised plus stray dogs are a big killer of water fowl, we never know when one will just show up, your best bet in protection is fencing. You have 4 ducks so you could build a nice size run and house for them and let them out when you can be right there to watch. After you have trained the dog. I have read to many sad stories where a members own dog killed their ducklings/ducks playing too hard. And then the neighbors dog killing their beloved ducks. Are you saying everyone just lets their animals out and no one has fencing? so dogs just run loose through the neighborhood?

Think privacy fence to block view of ducks and housing. doesn't have to be a real large area but can be made to look nice so no one will complain.

 

[mrrr0809]

Our neighbors dog is the only dog I've ever seen wander onto everyone else's property. All the neighbors enjoy his brief visits. Each property has about 100 feet of wooded area between. I let my dog loose but she stays within the confines of the property. My other neighbor has a German Shepherd...well trained...only walked and allowed outside on a leash.

 

[Miss Lydia]

May I ask where your ducks are going to spend the rest of their lives are you building them a house or are they going to live in your house or garage? Do they already have a secure house to sleep in outside?

You know in the end your going to do what you feel is best for your ducks all we can do is try to give info on what we know, and I know dogs and ducks running loose is not a good idea. You may have never seen another dog other than the neighbors but when we get water fowl/poultry it seems the word prey is up in neon lights. and all kinds of critters are waiting for an opportunity to kill and eat or just kill. I rest my case.

 

[mrrr0809]

May I ask where your ducks are going to spend the rest of their lives are you building them a house or are they going to live in your house or garage? Do they already have a secure house to sleep in outside?

You know in the end your going to do what you feel is best for your ducks all we can do is try to give info on what we know, and I know dogs and ducks running loose is not a good idea. You may have never seen another dog other than the neighbors but when we get water fowl/poultry it seems the word prey is up in neon lights. and all kinds of critters are waiting for an opportunity to kill and eat or just kill. I rest my case.

I'm not detecting the friendliest tone :/...I spent the past few weekend building secured house for them. Prior to the dog's visit, I was planning on letting them run free throughout the yard while my wife and I were home. This prompted me to rethink that decision.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm not detecting the friendliest tone

...I spent the past few weekend building secured house for them. Prior to the dog's visit, I was planning on letting them run free throughout the yard while my wife and I were home. This prompted me to rethink that decision.

I am not trying to be unfriendly honest just trying to get you to see how dangerous it can be for them. I am glad to hear you have secure housing for them. You know just hate for you all to have the heart break so many other have had, yes alot of us do free range and we can expect losses, but the best way to protect is by fencing. I am very sorry if I offended you that was not my intention at all.