Need an agile quick duck

[Giddyup]

Until this forum I didn't even know people kept mallards. "Flying mallards" sounds funny!

We have hound cross dogs, coonhound that is. So, needless to say they were in the barnyard with me young to learn how to live with ALL critters.

They do not chase the ducks or chickens in teh barnyard, hardly even show an interest.

However, I had a quick reminder the other day when the dogs were in the lower backyard - that has the pond - that the ducks were on. A whole different environment - a whole different outlook. They chased the ducks, swam, and ran (and ducks paddled, and flew), until I could catch the stinkers. But, they still do not chase or harrass at all in the barnyard.

It could be a hard combination for you guys.

 

[saddina]

Muscovy females fly and the males have claws, there's a chance the dogs may learn to leave them alone after a few swipes, but there's also the chance of a vet bill from a well placed claw.

 

[jellybean]

I know this is a fowl forum, but let's talk about the dog part right now. I realize it's instinct for them, and can be hard to break. But have you ever watched or heard of Cesar Milan? He really is amazing. I've been working with my dog and she's now completely avoiding my ducks and geese. Eventually I hope she'll get to the acceptance part, but now she knows to leave them alone and won't go near them to not get in trouble. I would suggest looking into his videos and tv shows, he has a few episodes about this training dogs to not attack ducks, rabbits, squirrels, etc. It's really about the dog's training, and Cesar is amazing!!!

In the meantime, maybe you could just build a small pen, and only let the ducks out when the dogs are in their pen, and vice versa.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
Most of the small ducks that haven't been bred for use as meat or eggs can fly. All the Call ducks that haven't had their wings messed with, East Indies. Australian Spotted Ducks. Even Muscovys can fly. The lighter females much better than the drakes. and the muscovy will perch in trees to get away from a dog.

 

[GrannySue]

I have a Jack Russell Cross but she's never harmed my birds.
The first time she tried to chase them, my 5 chickens ganged up on her. She was so scared she ran into the house and hid under my bed for over an hour. I wondered how she would behave when I got the ducks but she's fine.
Actually I've encouraged her to chase one of my drakes when he plays hanky-panky with the chickens. I know she won't hurt him and sometimes he likes to play too.