Pond Predators

[Kendrasueh]

Question for duck people... I have a large pond (half acre?) . would my ducks be safe if left to sleep on it at night?? What predators may swim out to get them? and would the ducks startle and swim away at night or will they freeze in the dark like a chicken does?? I am in NC so.. bobcats, coyotes, raccoon, possum... There are no snapping turtles in the pond (knock on wood)

 

[Sara Ranch]

I'm in WV. My neighbors HAD ducks that they let free range. Their dog was suppose to protect them. They lost all 8 ducks to predators at the stream. They guessed it was at night time. I have no idea if the ducks were sleeping in the stream or near the stream when they died.

I have 4 ducks. They free range, but go into secure housing at night.

My logical guess is that the ducks would drift in the water and may come close to the land. They'd be vulnerable to attacks then.

Make sure there are no sharks or gators or flesh eating fish in your pond! They'd probably go after the duckies at night.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

Mink would be the only one i would worry about. There related to the weasel family and will kill just for fun.

 

[blackdust951]

Question for duck people... I have a large pond (half acre?) . would my ducks be safe if left to sleep on it at night?? What predators may swim out to get them? and would the ducks startle and swim away at night or will they freeze in the dark like a chicken does?? I am in NC so.. bobcats, coyotes, raccoon, possum... There are no snapping turtles in the pond (knock on wood)

i don't think they can stay floating all night long and may come off the pond and become vulnerable to attack tell me if i'm wrong anyone

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Most ducks and geese sleep on the shore at night. They don't swim all night. You would be safer to put a little coop on the shore and close it every night or you are taking a chance of losing them.

 

[centrarchid]

Great-horned Owl will be the predator most likely to cause troubles.

 

[Steve J]