Hi, I have been stalking this forum for about a year and finally thought I should register. I live on 5 acres in Quinton VA, which is between Richmond and Williamsburg. I have waited too long to start with some chickens this spring (coop not built yet) but maybe next year. My wife and I have had ducks in the past. We had as many as 30 but predators (raccoons) slowly thinned out our flock till we had only one. I must have shot at least a dozen raccoons over a 5 year period. Rather than loosing the last duck we took him to a nearby pond where there were other ducks and geese and he is still there today after a year and a half. This time with the chickens I will predator proof the enclosure better using the information I have read here. When we do start our flock it will be for the fresh eggs. Thanks for all the help!