Running ducks in the garden put a smile on our faces when they go waddling happily on the hunt for snails and other pests. In order for the cute beneficial insects to feel that they are in good hands, important precautions must be observed for keeping and caring for them. You can find out what these are here.

Ducks bring life to the garden

Basic elements for species-appropriate husbandry - an overview

With their upright walk and long neck, runner ducks are unmistakable. The flightless waterfowl are also very agile and love to run and swim. Until gardeners recognized their qualities as beneficial creatures, the cute bottle ducks were mainly kept for their tasty eggs. The following basic elements make life easy for you and your ducks in the garden:

  • A small stable as a retreat and shelter from robbers
  • A medium to large sized pond with a gravel path for access
  • Alternatively, several water points for drinking and splashing around
  • A fence at least 180 cm high

Please note that runner ducks are very sociable. Therefore, do not expect a solitary life as a loner from a duck or a drake. Ideally, settle the waterfowl as a small flock or at least in pairs. For the sake of peace, keep either an all-male flock of ducks or a drake and several ducks. With a single lady and numerous drakes, trouble and permanent, loud chatter are inevitable.

Easy to care for and very sociable - tips for care

The larger the garden, the more natural food is available for your ducks. At the top of the menu are snails, their larvae and eggs, as well as insects, small animals and pests. Nevertheless, it should be fed regularly, especially in winter and in smaller areas. Grain feed for chickens is well suited. The birds also do not disdain leftovers from the lunch table. Noodles, potatoes or rice are eaten with pleasure. Spicy foods, on the other hand, make the animals uncomfortable.

tips

If you create a new garden or bed, the ducks should stay in the enclosure for about 2 weeks. Otherwise the tender young plants will fall victim to the hungry beaks. If perennials and flowers have grown well, running ducks no longer cause any significant feeding damage.

Category:

Animals in the garden