Oh boy! I now have ducks!

[jdywntr]

Eagles, turtles, hawks, coyotes, fox, raccoons, opposums, weasels, mink, skunks, large fish, rats, owls, snakes, cats, dogs etc, etc, etc.............. There is no place in the world that doesn't have something that will make a quick meal of an unprotected duck.

 

[jen85]

We must be lucky then . They've been there for two plus years and there is about 25 of them. There is a pair of khaki's on there that have been there since I was a kid. It was not hard to get them to stay either. A week in a enclosure by the pond and they knew it was home.

I would build them someplace safe with a pen close to the pond and just let them play in the daytime though, since you just moved there.

 

[Amiga]

Jen85, you are indeed blessed. We have seen some heart wrenching stories of injuries and deaths. Whatever is going on at your place, I pray it continues!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Jen85, you are indeed blessed. We have seen some heart wrenching stories of injuries and deaths. Whatever is going on at your place, I pray it continues!

X2..

 

[desertdarlene]

Congrats on your new ducklings. I agree with others, make sure your pond is safe and free from large fish or turtles that might eat or injure them. Many people keep ducks on their private ponds, but most lock them up at least at night or during other times when it's not safe for them to be out there. Even if you lock them up at night, things might still happen. Good luck!

 

[SD Bird Lady]

These are my best guesses but I am no pro. I also think Cackle is about the only larger hatchery that has ancona ducklings.

ETA: There is also the possibility that they are just poor quality Swedish. Time will tell more once you see how they are built.

 

[chicknfun]

I'm glad I read this thread. I will be receiving my ducklings soon and had thought it might be fun to take them to the pond in the horse pasture for swimming sometimes, but I know there are turtles in there. I would have never thought of turtles eating a duck.
I live in Florida, and when we go out on the boat I always make DH stop when i see a family of ducks swimming so I can watch for a few minutes. I have thought about many of the other animals listed, and of course, gators......but turtles, I hadn't thought of.
Great thread!

 

[vtmom30]

House is all built 10'x12' insulated barn...and no they will not be just left to live on their own in the pond. I plan to fence the perimeter and close them in at night. Well looks like TSC will be getting an ear full if that is the case. Thank you for the info and advice!

 

[desertdarlene]

I think you've got one rouen in there, too. Only see one Swedish for sure, but there's another one that does look like it *might* be a blue Swedish. But, they'll all be cute and fun.

 

[jdywntr]

House is all built 10'x12' insulated barn...and no they will not be just left to live on their own in the pond. I plan to fence the perimeter and close them in at night. Well looks like TSC will be getting an ear full if that is the case. Thank you for the info and advice!

Good to hear.

If you can find out where your TSC gets their ducklings that will narrow it down. Based on what is available via "special order" at TSC they only have Pekin, Rouen, Mallard, Swedish, and Campbells. I wouldn't expect to see Anconas at TSC and I really wouldn't expect to see Magpies.

You do have 1 black swedish (the one sitting in the feeder in the first pic). Possibly 2 more that are mismarked (the 2 with the black bodies and spotted heads. I'm staying with Mallard only 1 eye stripe not 2 like a rouen. The 2 lighter ones could be oddly marked blue swedish, I guess or really oddly marked Khaki Campbells.