Protecting outside duck nests

Yardmom

Crowing
7 Years
6 Years
May 3, 2018
3,171
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Waterford, PA
My ducks completely free range, and of course have not been convinced to put their nest in the duck house. In the last 2 days we have seen a fox and lost a drake to what looks like a coon. With prediters lurking 3 hens are showing signs of going broody. I will put a fence around each nest, but wanted to know if anyone had any other suggestions on how to protect these sitting ducks. Looking for tips to protect these outside nests from others who free range.
 
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My ducks completely free range, and of course have not been convinced to put their nest in the duck house. In the last 2 days we have seen a fox and lost a drake to what looks like a coon. With prediters lurking 3 hens are showing signs of going broody. I will put a fence around each nest, but wanted to know if anyone had any other suggestions on how to protect these sitting ducks.
Can I have a picture of your coop? It may be because you didn't use strong enough wire or there are gaps
 
I completely free-range my birds; however rarely, do I ever let them nest outside due to the high risk of them getting killed by predators. In the rare occasions, I want the duck to hatch the eggs, and she won't move inside their coop, I set out this little box I threw together out of some pallet board/scrap OSB equipped with a latch, and ventilation holes.
I place this near the nest (move the bedding, and eggs inside) and latch the door every night to keep her protected from predators.
Fencing unless highly secure will only slow down the bird from getting killed - I have found this is the only way to completely keep them protected outside.

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I completely free-range my birds; however rarely, do I ever let them nest outside due to the high risk of them getting killed by predators. In the rare occasions, I want the duck to hatch the eggs, and she won't move inside their coop, I set out this little box I threw together out of some pallet board/scrap OSB equipped with a latch, and ventilation holes.
I place this near the nest (move the bedding, and eggs inside) and latch the door every night to keep her protected from predators.
Fencing unless highly secure will only slow down the bird from getting killed - I have found this is the only way to completely keep them protected outside.

View attachment 2692145View attachment 2692148
Thanks, looks like building in the rain today. I can definitely see how the fencing might not be a good idea.
 

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