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Farming Friends Forum » Ducks

1. Pastordot
   Member

   I am not sure where the duck family (that was hatched under my neighbors porch in August) that has visited my yard regularly over the Summer will go for the winter, and am wondering if there is something that I can do to create a safe place for them to shelter in if they should choose to.

   These are very domestic looking ducks that don't fly and don't migrate like the mallards- most of which seem to have left already.

   My neighbor says the ducks usually stop visiting in the winter, and then only show up every now and then until Spring when they come regularly again. She says she has seen them on other parts of the lake last winter, when she has gone looking for them. (nice to have a neighbor as ducky as me!)

   I'm wondering if I were to put a dog house, or pen of some sort, whether they might find it to be a safe place to go.

   Blessings,
   Dottie

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. campbell ridge
   Administrator

   Hi Dottie, you could try by putting something there for them, show them where it is and see what they think. They may or may not use it. It will only be 100% safe if its closable at night, but then that will tie you to being there all the time for them to shut them in and let them out as we do..
   Our wild ducks stay on or about their ponds throughout the winter with no manmade shelters, so they will be ok without :)

   Sarah L

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. Pastordot
   Member

   Thanks Sarah :)

   Posted 2 years ago #

4. m40mo
   Administrator

   hi dottie while I think its wonderful what you do for the ducks that visit you, you have to remember these are wild ducks, so I agree with Sarah that to be 100% sure they are safe from predators you would need to do as she says and this could in the long run not be the kindest thing to do, as your neighbour has had to search for them in previous winters I think you should take comfort from the fact they know what they are doing, they know where there is a constant supply of food and drinking water if they want it so I think i would leave their sleeping arangments to them xx

   mo x

   Posted 2 years ago #

5. Pastordot
   Member

   Thanks mo.

   I think I'll just create a sheltered place for them to get the food that I put out and as you say, leave their sleeping arrangements to them. They certainly must know what is best as they have been doing it for many years before I came along.

   Blessings,
   Dottie

   Posted 2 years ago #

6. Salad
   Member

   hi Dottie,
   I feel for you - it must be hard, having become so attached to the ducks and now to worry about them for the winter.

   I think you should work towards your own little 'flock' with so much care you have I am sure the ducks will love it..

   As for the wild visiting ducks - a have to agree with the comments above, as difficult as that may be - it will also come with the joy of them returning in the spring..

   It is one of those mysterious ways things I guess. .. thinking of you all the same.

   Sal

   Posted 2 years ago #

7. Salad
   Member

   hi Dottie,
   I feel for you - it must be hard, having become so attached to the ducks and now to worry about them for the winter.

   I think you should work towards your own little 'flock' with so much care you have I am sure the ducks will love it..

   As for the wild visiting ducks - a have to agree with the comments above, as difficult as that may be - it will also come with the joy of them returning in the spring..

   It is one of those mysterious ways things I guess. .. thinking of you all the same.

   Sal

   Posted 2 years ago #

8. Pastordot
   Member

   Thanks Sally, I suppose the winter will give me the chance to look forward to the Spring and it will give me the chance to learn all that I can in the meantime.

   These visiting ducks have made me really want my own, but I would want to be very prepared before starting out. This site is so great for learning, and so I will continue to follow and pick up great ideas.

   I saw your post about your eggs. Keeping my fingers crossed and much prayers for the little ducklings.

   Blessings,
   Dottie

   Posted 2 years ago #

9. Salad
   Member

   Hey Dottie,

   Darwin is such a joy to spend time with - I can't believe that it took me so long to find an animal that I just click with.. I was reading about the other FF member who had her duck for 18years who recently passed away - I can only hope I have Darwin to share with for that long.. I really hope for you to have your own 'Darwin'.
   Things are a bit tough here at the moment and it just brings me so much joy to sit in the yard and play with him...
   Duck companionship is highly recommended.
   X Sal.

   Posted 2 years ago #

10. pinkpoultry
    Member

    I agree!! Duck companions are wonderful, if I just sit in with mine its not long before they sit on me/under me, pull laces and hair etc, I love it! I had a hug of Belle this morning, he didnt like it particularly, but I did, he didnt run away when I put him down-just think I embarrassed infront of his friends-hehe.
    x

    Posted 2 years ago #

11. Pastordot
    Member

    Yes Sally and Laura, I am feeling that a duck companion is a very special thing especially reading the wonderful posts on here.

    I never do anything on a whim, and so would want to be very sure and prepared before making a decision to have my own. That's why winter coming here is a good thing- as it will give me a chance to see how others manage their ducks in the winter.

    Blessings to all,
    Dottie

    Posted 2 years ago #

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