I'm getting a breeding pair of Muscovy Ducks to free range in my orchard next weekend. The orchard is fenced with 4 ft fencing. I've heard that the drakes are capable of protecting their flock from foxes, and it may not be necessary to lock the ducks away at night. Does anyone have any experience or input re ducks and foxes? Would the drake also protect the chooks who roam the same orchard? Cheers, Ona
Re: Ducks and Foxes All I know is the foxes around here love eating my ducks-even a huge Muscovy drake I had. They are leaving me the chickens but it is really making be rethink the free range ideal. You will really need to have somewhere secure to shut them in at night which can't be dug under. If you curve the wire out along the base of the pen on top of the ground 2 foot wide and secure with rocks or camping pegs that will also deter them from digging. Heard a good idea the other day to make a pen out of star pickets and pallets with tin over the top and sides...but remember the digging under.
Re: Ducks and Foxes cross breed your ducks with wild ones so they may fly away. unless you have suitable fencing, you have not an ice creams chance in hell . leo mahon
Re: Ducks and Foxes A drake might try to protect his flock but won't succeed. A gander will try to also and may succeed during the day but they all have to sleep. You will need a little Fort Knox I'm afraid. For night time use at least. The two foot wide skirt around the outside that newwavehealth referred to is supposed to work. Another option is a full wire base and lay mulch on top to keep the ducks off the wire. Or a livestock guardian dog. Ducks, chooks, geese - they are all tasty little morsels.
Re: Ducks and Foxes Have lost geese and ducks to foxes over the years all secured away in the chicken run. At least I thought they were secure but the fox ate through the wire. At night a gander will not be able to protect itself and a hungryu fox will take one during theday as well The chickens were taken by the neighbours dog. Never lost a chicken to a fox or snake but I lock them at night in a secure house. the neighbours have free ranging ducks on their dam with island where they sleep at night but lose a duck a month to foxes If they are free ranging in an orchard you could build a chicken loft 1200 or more off the ground, thi would keep them safe. not sure about the ducks. Good luck Kurt
