My Ducks are Lost!

[rapunzil]

I have 25 chickens and wanted a couple of ducks. So I found some for sale on Cragislist and bought 2 beautiful Swedish ducks yesterday.

I asked the lady I bought them from if it was ok to keep them with my chickens and she said yes. What I didn't think to mention though, was that my chickens free-range. I don't have them in a run.

So I brought the ducks home and put them in the coop with the chickens for a few hours so they could get to know each other, and the ducks would learn where the food and water was. Then I opened the coop so everyone could flock together.

What I didn't know was that the ducks would run away, and that I needed to keep them with the chickens together for a week or so before free-ranging. I went out and walked my property with a flashlight and couldn't find them. I'm so upset and feel so stupid! I have no idea how far they might have gone, or if maybe predators got them last night. I'm devastated and feel so irresponsible.

 

[veronicasmom]

Aww, I'm sorry. Really, it was an honest mistake. Don't beat yourself up so much. (Coming from the woman who is the expert in doing just that) You didn't realize, it wasn't something you did deliberately.
Keep looking and listening for them. You may just find them hiding somewhere.
Good luck.

 

[SportTees]

Cheap the bushs an weeds very good. Ducks love to hide in that stuff

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
Put out food , they might come back for that, they won't for a flock and owner that they don't know. If they do come back do you think you will be able to catch them?

 

[rapunzil]

Well I called the lady I got them from last night, and since these ducks don't fly, she told me how I could "heard" them and guide them back to the coop.

My fingers are crossed! I've got 4 acres and TONS of bushes they could hide under.

Does anyone have an idea how far they might wander?

 

[bufforp89]

That stinks. I bought 5 muscovys and the guy who delivered them told me that they had clipped wings. I put them in a pen without netting on the top because of this. I go to feed the next morning and one was gone. None of them had clipped wings. I saw the one that flew away a few times (once walking down the side of the road!) but I was never able to catch her. I just hope nothing got her. I hope that yours come back or you find them!

 

[chickensioux]

So sorry you lost your duckies. I hope they turn up somewhere for you.

 

[Wifezilla]

If you want an animal to see your place as HOME, you have to give it about 2 weeks. I did this with my ducks and I have done this with adopted cats. 2 weeks locked up and THEN you let them explore.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
I have call duck crosses and 11 acres. The ducks can and will wander all 11 acres.


Hope you find them this morning.

 

[rapunzil]

Quote:
Yea, I've just learned that. I wish I had thought to ask the lady I bought them from, but on the other hand she didn't think to tell me either.