Would ducks be a good decision for me?

16 years ago

So Ive been wrestling with a variety of bugs in the garden this year and ran across some threads where the value of ducks for insect control. Ive since started reading up on them and have really started to consider them for my home. Here is the kicker --- I live in the city, smallish lot and most of the back yard is flower beds, patio and pool and a long thin section that is going to be garden and grass walk way to one side.. Is there any way I could have a Happy Duck? Or would I just be torturing it? I certainly donÂt want to make a bad decision for me or the ducks so Im trying to cover all my basesÂ

I was also thinking of one of the tractor type cages that I could wheel around and give them some different areas to check out when they werenÂt confined to the yard (worried a tad about predators, mainly dogs and cats outside of our fence) .

Am I crazy to even consider themÂ. Would they give me as much heartache as the bugs are? (trying hard not to think about the cute factor)

Thanks!

Kelly

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Comments (4)

beegood_gw
16 years ago
Are you even allowed a duck where you live. They can Quack quite loudly. One duck I think would be lonely. And they will peck at your flowers as well. Chlorine pool would not be good for them. Plus a lot of gooey duck poop. Personally I would not do it but I'm sure others will feel it's OK
jennybog
16 years ago
I am a duck owner of 4 great ducks. I live on 5 acres. They go where they like . They eat tons of bugs. You need fresh water for them so they can clean themselves. They nibble on my flowers and veggies. If you have a small yard i wouldn't suggest it. They poo everywhere. You do need two.
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melaroma
16 years ago
Please don't buy just one, they are very social animals. I have six ducks and they get into my beds all the time and even though there are some plants they won't touch they do nibble on some of my perennials not to mention my lettuce and tomato plants. They are wonderful pets and do a wonderful job at eating my earwigs, grasshoppers, spiders, beetles and and unfortunately sometimes my worms and bees. They provide hours and hours of entertaining and are curious and affectionate. They do need constant fresh water and a safe enclosed place to sleep. I would contact your city and find out what the law is on poultry. Most cities are now allowing a certain number depending on the size of your yard.

If you don't think that you have the time or can't meet the needs of the ducks then you should consider some other means for bug control. Best of luck to you!
jjaazzy
16 years ago
Guinea Hens are excellent for bugs. I was going to get some for a tick problem but the company never sent them and then I fixed the problem myself. You could ask someone one here for personal experience with them.