Pinioned Waterfowl on an Open Farm Pond

[jacknjill]

Would like to release some pinioned ducks, (Mandarins, Wigeons) on an open Farm pond, about a half an acre in size with an island in the middle for protection at night. I was told Owls and hawks would pick them off. Any other Opinions or experiences on this? Anything I can do to eliminate this threat, type of cover, etc.
Thanks

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

many people do do that with success. The problem is , yes by pinioning and no pens, they are left vulnerable to predation. Not a thing you can do.
During the day, they are pretty allert and will dive at the slightest sign of a probelm, so they a re pretty good there. IF they choose to sleep on the island at night, most animals will not get them either, but owls at night, or animals if they ever roost on the bank can get them.
Honestly it's just a roll of the dice and see how lucky you are. If owls and predators are a bad problem in your area, I'd pen them, if no, give it a try.
Good luck

 

[jacknjill]

Thanks

 

[Matapatos]

Not sure where you are but raccoons, mink, foxes, weasels, hawks, owls, eagles, snapping turtles, etc... Lots and lots of animals CAN take em out, but its a roll of the dice to see how they do. Especially winter time where the ice will form and more predators like cats and dogs will be able to cross and kill em... Like I said, I don't know where you are, but if I were to do the same here in UT, I wouldn't expect them to last a month that way... Good luck though! You may be just fine and will enjoy the heck out of em!

Travis

 

[kangababy]

We have yet to pinion anything but have a pintail hen that got out last year and she hangs out on the pond without leaving. of course we have probably 50 mallards we raised on the pond with her and she gets fead everyday. It is a roll of the dice. If you can raise them for a whiel in a pen on your land for a while before you do that you may have a better chance. But if they are not native to here (Mandarins for example) I would pinion them. I am actually thinking about doing it this year to ones that I raise and want to try to keep on teh pond.