predator question: weasels

[DurhamDuck]

We've recently noticed a weasel family near our property where our ducklings will be in about a month's time. Our ducks will be free ranging on a natural pond, but the entire area has a 4 ft wire fence around it. My question is, how much of a danger are weasels to ducks that have a large natural pond to use for escaping land predators?
I would feel horribly guilty if I put my "babies" (who will be fully feathered at the time) out there only to have them end up a buffet dinner to a family of weasels!
Trapping the weasels isn't possible as we have a tremendous amount of wildlife (skunks, cats etc) here. Any other ideas of what might scare away weasels?

Thanks!!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I have not had to deal with weasels, but I would be worried.


Are the weasels inside the fence or outside? I am not sure what type of fencing you would need to keep a weasel out

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

1/4" hardware cloth all the way around. They can fit through TINY gaps, dig and climb very well.

Edited to add--the 1/4" hardware cloth would need to COVER the pen, too....

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

The only thing I've found is to keep the yard cut short, clear away all brush as well. They like cover. This helps discourage them but they will still come out & eat chickens/ducks/chicks/ducklings/goslings, etc if they are hungry enough.

Here is the last one that the cats got...

Dogs checking it out:

 

[DurhamDuck]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like there are quite a few weasels around. The area is large and the pond is set back near an open field and a tree line, not much I can do about clearing it out. I guess I'll just have to hope for the best.

 

[aprophet]

weasels will kill more then one chicken a night

google "weasel box" they work well and are safe for other animals except rats

http://www.google.com/search?q=weas...ekBIPbgQf4z9mGAg&ved=0CDQQsAQ&biw=800&bih=461

 

[DurhamDuck]

Quote:
Thank you!!

 

[Josh45640]

I second the weasel box. They are widely used and work wonderfully. They are safe for most other animals. They will also catch mice,rats and chipmunks though.