Newbie needing help

[RedPikeMama]

Hello everyone First post here though I’ve read plenty a few months ago when I was kicking around the idea of adding chickens, and again recently pertaining to ducks.

I’ve been able to find tons of information on owning ducks but not quite what I’m looking for. We have a 2.5 acre pond that I’d prefer them spend their days on, and I have a huge barn I’d like them to spend their nights in. They can have their own stall or two and I can modify it to meet any of their needs. It’s already predator safe - if they spend the night on the pond, they’ll likely meet our very high population of coyotes. There is about 150’ between the barn and the pond - is that too far to realistically expect to move them back and forth over? I do have a pair of Aussies that can help. From what I’ve read here, if I only fed them in their barn at night and started that from day one, I’d have a chance? My next question is about the eggs. If they spent their days on my pond, where would their eggs be? Would I have to go on adventures every day to find them or would they lay in the barn at night? Please don’t laugh - I have a feeling that’s a really dumb question - but the only bird I’ve ever owned was a parakeet when I was six LOL

Any help is appreciated

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I'm sorry but I don't know anything about ducks, but I would like to welcome you and wish you luck on finding the actual answers you need. Anyways, welcome to our flock!

 

[Hope Hughes]

Hello
My ducks live in the run to my coop at the momment and spend their days on the little pond on our property..not sure on the distance... i dont think it 150 but its a good space maybe 100.... or a little less. And they always put them selves to bed at night. I kept them in the run for 3 weeks so they knew it was home. The hen lays her egg in the morning and then we let them out and they free range all day. Lock them back upnat night.
They free range with the chickens all day but mostly spend their time on tbe little lake. I think as long as they know where their home is and you watch them for a little bit they may get the hang of it...
Note: mine find their way to the coop well before it starts to get dark.
Hope this helps alittle bit...
But im aure there are people that will chime in with better information

Update: the husband corrected me he said its a good soild 80 yards from coop to lake the lake is 60'x60' ​

 

[CntryBoy777]

There is no reason to laugh, because we all start somewhere and it is a legitimate question. First...Welcome from NW Mississippi!!...
There are a few tbings to understand about ducks, since they are waterfowl they feel safer and more comfortable on water than on land. Some ducks will go and come, but others once they get in the water will stay there as long as they feel threatened....this means you trying to catch them....however while they are young and it is part of their routine, they may come out to the bank and trail to the barn, but that is a bit far for them to travel....mine stay within 70-90' of their pen and yard and there is about an acre that is fenced. They won't distinguish between a dog or a coyote, so if they are desensitized to a dog, then the coyote won't draw the alert. If you wish for them to lay in the barn, then keep them penned until 8:30-9am and ya will usually get most of the eggs laid by that time....if not, then more than likely they will lay while in the water and they will be on the bottom of your pond/lake, so it would take snorkle or scuba gear to retrieve them. We have about an acre pond here, but I won't let them on it cause I don't think I could get them back. Plus, most predators will be drawn to water to drink, so it is certain that predators would be confronted at night, tho they are only vulnerable on land....they can out swim any in water, but owls are a real danger...if they are a smaller duck. If ya want them and keep them safer, I'd forgo the thought of putting them on that big a piece of water and get them a kiddie pool to swim in close to the barn. This is only my opinion, but the risk will always be that they won't come back oneday....again.....

 

[RedPikeMama]

Hmmm. Are there species that are easier to work with?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

There is no reason to laugh, because we all start somewhere and it is a legitimate question. First...Welcome from NW Mississippi!!...
There are a few tbings to understand about ducks, since they are waterfowl they feel safer and more comfortable on water than on land. Some ducks will go and come, but others once they get in the water will stay there as long as they feel threatened....this means you trying to catch them....however while they are young and it is part of their routine, they may come out to the bank and trail to the barn, but that is a bit far for them to travel....mine stay within 70-90' of their pen and yard and there is about an acre that is fenced. They won't distinguish between a dog or a coyote, so if they are desensitized to a dog, then the coyote won't draw the alert. If you wish for them to lay in the barn, then keep them penned until 8:30-9am and ya will usually get most of the eggs laid by that time....if not, then more than likely they will lay while in the water and they will be on the bottom of your pond/lake, so it would take snorkle or scuba gear to retrieve them. We have about an acre pond here, but I won't let them on it cause I don't think I could get them back. Plus, most predators will be drawn to water to drink, so it is certain that predators would be confronted at night, tho they are only vulnerable on land....they can out swim any in water, but owls are a real danger...if they are a smaller duck. If ya want them and keep them safer, I'd forgo the thought of putting them on that big a piece of water and get them a kiddie pool to swim in close to the barn. This is only my opinion, but the risk will always be that they won't come back oneday....again.....

You're wisdom is so needed. You're dedication to schooling others is unintentionally unrewarded. Between your BYH & BYC posts, I have great respect for your honesty and charm...
THANK YOU You Are a true unsung hero...

 

[Hope Hughes]

I have a pekin(horrible speller and to tierd to double check lol) and 1 male domesticated malard(those ones that look like mallards but arent lol) and the 2 others(grey and white forgot breen)
(I know not much help there sorry)
Mine where already laying age by the time we moved them to pur new property and they free ranged arpund the coop with the chickens for about 3 months or so and then we led them to the lake one day. We live on 40 wooded acres that back up to 100 wooded acres, and surrounded by yet again more wooded acres. We have so many predators around l. But i think that is why they head home well before it gets dark. They hang out right in front of the run then they put them selves up just as it gets dark.
Their feed is always by the run and a little(big) kiddi pool for them too for the days they rather chill at home. ​

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hello everyone First post here though I’ve read plenty a few months ago when I was kicking around the idea of adding chickens, and again recently pertaining to ducks.

I’ve been able to find tons of information on owning ducks but not quite what I’m looking for. We have a 2.5 acre pond that I’d prefer them spend their days on, and I have a huge barn I’d like them to spend their nights in. They can have their own stall or two and I can modify it to meet any of their needs. It’s already predator safe - if they spend the night on the pond, they’ll likely meet our very high population of coyotes. There is about 150’ between the barn and the pond - is that too far to realistically expect to move them back and forth over? I do have a pair of Aussies that can help. From what I’ve read here, if I only fed them in their barn at night and started that from day one, I’d have a chance? My next question is about the eggs. If they spent their days on my pond, where would their eggs be? Would I have to go on adventures every day to find them or would they lay in the barn at night? Please don’t laugh - I have a feeling that’s a really dumb question - but the only bird I’ve ever owned was a parakeet when I was six LOL

Any help is appreciated

keep them in the barn about a week then introduce to pond this should tell them where home is.. now if it is chickens do the same but for the pond chickens do not swim

 

[Lazy Farmer]

keep them in the barn about a week then introduce to pond this should tell them where home is.. now if it is chickens do the same but for the pond chickens do not swim

who needs central heat when @penny1960 warms your heart?.

 

[BYC910]

Would be better if the pond was closer but . Lock them up in the barn for a while week or two. Feed only there no feed at the pond in fact don't let them see the pond. Would be good to move them from one stall to another frequently to get them used to following the feed . And for cleaning it will get messy. TYhe kiddie pool is good too . @ Ravynscroft got any help?