New ducks- question about shelter

[beegirl4]

I have acquired a Cayuga and Magpie and am wondering about housing. We live on a 3 acre pond, and I would like to keep the ducks out without a run. Is it possible to put a "house" close enough to the side of the pond that if a predator comes they can just go in the water? I know we have fox, raccoons and a mink. I really don't want to put anymore "stuff" outside if I don't have to, but I will if I need to. We have lost chickens to foxes- they are relentless.
thanks!

 

[Virus]

Ducks don't take to housing or coops like chickens do. In fact most won't even use them unless you make them. If you just put a piece of wood against something so they can go under to get out of rain but even then they'll just go in some bushes. There are people who put houses out on the ponds and from what I know they take to those better because they feel safer on the water. I don't have a pond so I just got a coop and lock my duck in every night and let him out every morning. As long as they can get to the water in time then they should be fine, especially if its a lake. Mine only has a baby pool.

 

[taz0812]

They won't like any type of coop or pen. You have to make them use it. Speaking from experience tho they should be locked up at night. Never did it myself til one of my ducks was killed so whether or not they like being penned up its for their own protection. They will get used it.