To buy or not to buy more ducks

[rgn87]

Two years ago i got mallard ducks, and after six months they flew off to breed. Last year I got cayuga ducks and after eight months they were stolen(by humans) from my yard. I am at an impass, I want ducks, but so far I am 0/2. I don't know if its cruel to get more and have them disappear too, or maybe those weren't my fault. I am really worried about this, any advice you can give me would help.

 

[FenDruadin]

Well, I went through two flocks before finally succeeding in developing a system that kept them safe. Even then, I had a few more losses before the system was perfected. So I don't think it's useless to try if you really want them.

However, I would think carefully about what you've learned so far and what else you need to know in order to be successful. Take the time to read Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks and hang out on these forums for a bit. Look at your set-up and decide what you need to do to make it safe for your ducks. If you're worried about human theft, maybe your pen needs to have a padlock on it. Regardless, you need to have a pen that is predator proofed, made with sturdy materials and completely contained.

So, just examine what you have so far and learn what you need to do to improve. Then I say, if you really want ducks, go for it. And good luck!

 

[awesomefowl]

Give it another try! But build them a better coop, and lock the doors.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Quote:
Exactly! My opinion as well. Learn , learn, learn...... modify, modify, adapt, adapt.......

 

[Amiga]

Storey's Guide was a great resource. And because I live in a populous area, I have locks on all the doors and gates. It won't guarantee anything (my nightmare: raccoons learn how to use boltcutters), but so far, so good.

I also encourage a few trusted neighbors to come over and enjoy the ducks. They listen out for them and help me keep an eye on them.

 

[DuckLover179]

I am getting 2 Pekins in february. It's good to get a breed that doesn't fly if you don't have an enclosure for them. I am getting an enclosure with a lock, so I am the only one that can get it (That should help with the stealing problem). It is important to get an enclosure that is big enough for them to play and move around, but not so they can get out. It should also have a roof with a tarp on top, and a dog house (For extreme weather). If you want to buy a really good book on duck, I recommend the "The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook" I bought that from Metzer Farms. My advice is try again with ducks, you could be lucky!