The area is large and the ducks respected the mesh fencing. So, yes, the ducks have had the opportunity to free range the poultry area. He tried to tell me that the ducks were out roaming around! Our Free Range Ducks Today At first, our dog was concerned that I may have lost my mind. I set up a large perimeter using a mesh poultry fence. It’s a pretty classy set up, but they were just having too much fun in the fall leaves to notice the boundaries. All was well, but after visiting a friend’s home and seeing her ducks free ranging during the day, I had a strong urge to let the ducks taste some freedom.īeing surrounded by woods and woodland creatures, I was still hesitant to let them roam too freely. I brought in grass, weeds, vegetables and meal worms regularly to supplement. Our ducks live in a rather large duck complex with a large building with two attached covered runs, two pools and all you can eat buffet of duck food and bugs. Ducks get along well together even though I do notice some inner cliques among the ducks we had first.

The hens are very reliable layers and although our broody hen failed to set long enough to hatch out the ducklings, we did hatch four in the incubator. I started raising ducks years ago, for eggs and to hopefully hatch some ducklings! We have been fairly successful on both goals. Other property modifications were made to add safety for the free range ducks.

Eventually we gradually began letting the ducks and chickens out of their pens for free ranging. Woods, where raccoon, fox and an occasional coyote make their homes. We didn’t feel that the property was set up for free range ducks. Free range ducks are happy ducks! When we first started raising ducks, we didn’t let the ducks roam the farm.

Duck duck go pros and cons