Too many boys

[fletch21]

I am not sure when they got their curl

 

[farmgirl3001]

Oh lovely, so what's the best way to protect free range ducks? They have access to the barn 24/7 but rarely ever go in

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

For protection from flying predators I have little shelters set up all around. Small dog house anything with a roof they can run under if they see one.

 

[farmgirl3001]

I have lots of trees in my yard, run in sheds in the open fields for the horses and a few smaller buildings around the farm they can get into, is that ok or do they need something with a roof closer to the ground to hide under?

 

[fletch21]

I have lots of trees in my yard, run in sheds in the open fields for the horses and a few smaller buildings around the farm they can get into, is that ok or do they need something with a roof closer to the ground to hide under?

They should be ok as long as they can quickly get to safety when needed, I too have dog houses all around my yard, they have never been attacked,. As far as ground predictors my dogs do a good job keeping them away

 

[farmgirl3001]

Ok, perfect. I have dogs as well but they sleep inside at night, they'd think I'd lost my mind if I ever told them they were sleeping outside with the ducks. maybe just the scent of the dogs around the yard is enough to keep some of the predators away

 

[fletch21]

It will, and if they ever bark the predictors will know they are there and just stay clear of your place, good luck

 

[farmgirl3001]

Perfect. Thank you, and to you as well.

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

Ok, perfect. I have dogs as well but they sleep inside at night, they'd think I'd lost my mind if I ever told them they were sleeping outside with the ducks.

maybe just the scent of the dogs around the yard is enough to keep some of the predators away

I could not imagine what my dogs would do if i made them sleep out side!

We also use a fake hawk on tall poles moved around daily. It is suppose to make the birds think the territory is taken. I dont know how well it works but anything helps.

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

Those are gorgeous! Mine are all just white. Another question for you if you don't mind, are pekins more of a water duck? The whole reason I got ducks was because I bought a farm last year and it has a beautiful big pond... So I thought well I will get some ducks to swim in my pond. Having no idea at the time that muscovies aren't really water ducks, they spend 90 percent of their day laying under a tree and the other 10 begging for dog food at the door, lol. your blue one is to die for. Where do I find ducks like that!?

if you want a water duck get some khaki campbells. I have both these and pekins. My pekins like the water but they just swim. My khakies on the other hand splash, dive, and dance. I find watching them to be much more entertaining than watching the pekins. My favorite khaki is names webbie she is so sweet. And i have large pekins too. I don't think that they are supposed to be this big but my females are about 12lbs while my drake is 16. Is this normal. I mean I know that they are a little "fluffy" but they are rather large too