Predator proofing

[SarahandDucks]

I get half dozen free range mallard ducklings every couple of years-I live in the suburbs against a marsh so there is lots of wildlife.
Potential Predators include: weasel, raccoon, owl, hawk, coyote

One year a weasel got one (it's head was crushed and pulled through chicken wire), another couple have vanished without a trace. I witnessed an owl attack and was able to deter the owl (miraculously the ducks all lived through that).

This year I'm wondering how I should predator proof my free range mallards, so they aren't quite "like sitting ducks."

Here's what my current habitat looks like. I use motion sensor lighting and basically 'mark' the duck's territory by having my kids pee everywhere.
I usually lost one mallard per month which I don't think was too bad, but I'd like to put more predator proofing in place this year.

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

There isn't much you can do unless they are in a predator proof run, with a strong roof, mesh or hardware cloth along the perimeter to prevent digging, and small openings in the run itself. If you want no predator losses, this is what you'll have to do. You could try a electrical fence around your property, as well as hiding spaces from aerial predators. You still have the risk of loosing birds to predators.

 

[hayley3]

I agree with 25 chickens, electric fencing...Where do they sleep at night?
Mine are in a Fort Knox coop at night and electric fencing on the outside of that.
Mine have a lot of cover that is inside the electric fencing.

 

[SarahandDucks]

They wander. At night they sleep in the pond.
I don't want them penned in because I want them to fly south!

 

[Isaac 0]

I hate to tell you, but domestic Mallards have a very low chance of surviving out at night, your whole flock will be diminished before they even migrate ( Not sure if domestics will even do that either)

 

[Jpat]

I few members mallards have migrated but theres a better chance they wont

 

[Isaac 0]

I've had four mallards die over the years because they thought It'd be a good idea to sleep outside, actually saw one on my trail camera getting killed by a fox.

 

[hayley3]

They wander. At night they sleep in the pond.
I don't want them penned in because I want them to fly south!

Why do you want them to fly south?

 

[Miss Lydia]

So you basically buy Mallards to feed to the wild life and if any manage live till fall you hope they fly south.?
Domestic Mallards aren't like their wild counterparts. They are domestic which means they are for living with proper care, feed ,housing and safety.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Yes, so why are you even asking about predator proofing?