Need ideas for moving to a new home, with ducks

[Amiga]

This is not an announcement. We may stay right where we are, but as my beloved and I look ahead, we wonder if there might be a place somewhat better suited to us, to be closer to friends or relatives, or any of a number of possible reasons.

Something he has a concern about is moving the duck flock. We have two flocks, actually. A trio of Buffs and now a nice mixed flock of Runners, a Khaki-Rouen mix, white Mallard, a Buff, and a BEI. All small, not a huge flock. But they will need a Little Fort Knox and servant/guardian at the new place.

So, I told my beloved I would ask our Duck Community here.

Thanks.

(Not that I don't have my own ideas and plan, but I think he'll feel better with a multitude of minds working on this idea

)

 

[Wobbles]

I've been thinking a ton about this very topic. We have been considering buying property in Montana and building a cabin there so we could live in WI part time and Montana part time. What we came up with for a plan for the ducks was we would have to take a trip out there, build them a pen and a house and then go back to WI to get them. It would be a challenge but we can't see not having them travel with us. You could always do that, have a secure place built while you are still in the process of moving and then it would be ready when you are

 

[sumi]

Excellent suggestions by Wobbles. I have not moved ducks before, but I have moved small numbers of chickens around two countries with me and they took it very well. After the initial slightly uneasy stage at the new home, when they were quite happy to have "mom" around to reassure them, they settled in quick and adapted to the change no problem. I'd say the biggest challenge was the actual move, that was probably more stressful for me than for them though. They were comfortable and secure as can be and took the journeys very well. Beside having a secure home for them at the new home, and deciding when the "duck move" is going to take place (i.e. at which stage of the move), you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Amiga]

I have envisioned building LFK at the new place, or having it built (might make a new friend if a local carpenter or handy person could earn a few bucks), and bringing them up.

Right now I am seriously considering renting something like a Transit Connect or some kind of van to get them all up without too much crowding. Since there is just the two of us, we'd need to divide to conquer - one at each end for a short transition period.

But if we can get most of our stuff packed up and over to the new place, then we could get the critters (there are three cats, also, but they have moved with us before).

Thinking, thinking. My inner nine-year-old says, "just put them up in one of the bedrooms in the new place till the outdoor pen is built." Hoo, yeah. Who needs kids when I carry one around inside my head all the time?!?

But that's not out of the question, in my opinion. I know how to protect floors from indoor ducks. That is not an issue.

 

[sumi]

Maybe… if you move to a property with a suitable outbuilding in place, that can be used for a duck house and just needs some fencing put up for a run? Just tossing out ideas now. You never know? If you're looking to move to a place with some land, chances are there will be suitable outbuildings, maybe a barn already in place, which will make things much easier for you.