Newbie:questions...what daytime predators do I need to worry about?

[maralynn28]

Hi all,
Getting ducklings in a wk and planning/ designing coop. We live in western WA and I know we have hawks, and EAGLES as daytime predators and definitely possums and raccoons but I'm assuming that's only at night? Hubby is making predator proof housing but we wanted an open run so the duckies can run around, graze, swim and help me in the garden. Also, the neighbor dogs and cats could be an issue, but the ducks would only be out during the day with supervison. Do you think this is sufficient predator proofing or is there anything else to worry about? As we are only getting 2 and I would be so heartbroken if anything happened to them, I want to make sure everything is perfect before we bring them home. Also, what age can I let them out with hawks around? I thought 4-6 wks would be ok, but then heard of possible hawk attack even at that age?

 

[jenjscott]

Do a search for hawk and you will read repeated stories where a hawk has swooped in and picked up its prey within feet of a person out in the yard. Do not think that your presence there will automatically deter them. Snakes can also be active in the day, I don't know what you have out there. And, like you say, the neighbor's dogs and cats.

 

[maralynn28]

Yikes! Until what age do I have to worry about hawks?!?! Ok, so putting a top on the run is adviseable? Anything else?

 

[jenjscott]

I don't know with ducks. I have never had a problem with full size large fowl chickens. banties and babies are goners if they play outside the pen. Owls, on the otherhand will kill large fowl. But if they're in the coop at night that shouldn't be a problem. My BIL actually had a hawk land and walk under a pickup truck after some banties. Believe it or not, the banty roo was all over that hawk and drove him out, his size giving him better mobility under the truck.

 

[Britney]

Most often it is a neighborhood dog. I hear way to much of dog attacks. There are others but my concern is always dogs that belong to the guy down the street

 

[humm-n-cluck ranch]

We have excessive hawk activity out by us, making free ranging impossible at this point in time, so we are making a large covered run

 

[maralynn28]

Ok, so pretty much set on covered run. I guess anything that would go under (dig) I only have to worry about at night (when they are cooped up already). I know I've been scared of Hawks, one actually attacked my son for his toaster struedel...no kidding, but that was in a different neighborhood. They don't seem that bold around here...but then again, we also have 6 new Bald Eagle nests.

I do love them, but wonder what they could take off with if they wanted to.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

An eagle could definitely make off with one of your birds.

 

[patman75]

Coyotes, foxes, dogs, sick raccoons, not sure if there are weasels or mink in your area. Just build your run to protect against anything for your own peace of mind. Only have them out of the run if your around to reduce the chances of losing one, it can still happen.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Dogs, hawks, eagles, dogs, foxes, coyotes, dogs, weasels, minks, dogs, bobcats, some feral domestic cats, and dogs.

......Alan.