Anyone have experience of keeping ducks? We moved out to the country last year and I fancy having a couple of ducks in our orchard, our only neighbour had 2 Indian runners (which are the type I'm interested in) and some chickens but unfortunately the fox visited a few nights ago so she is looking to restock.

I am trying to do research on the internet and have found an Indian runner duck society but wanted to ask a few questions of people who had no vested interest in me getting some.

Thanks, 

Don't have them myself, I have hens, but a few friends have them.
They do make a right mess , both with their poo and flippity flappity feet, but I guess if they will be in an orchard, that won't be a problem. They do need fresh water to at least be able to dunk themselves in and preen, I really like them, my friend has Call ducks, and they are very cute with their curly bums and chubby cheeks.

Two people on here spring to mind: Lea and Trevor (Yvonne). I'm sure they can answer questions. :)

I have 3 indian runners and a wild duck along with my 12 chickens and a goose :)
Lea :)
You beat me to it Goldmali!!! :)

I have kept ducks chickens and dogs for over 30 years. The exercise area for dogs is fenced so neither species can encroach on the others. This isn't foolproof but works pretty well.
Afraid the fox is another matter, listen for them calling a few months later they will be feeding their young and be looking for food. This is the time when a smaller area is required for poultry, either electric fence or high chicken wire, which should be buried in the ground, the fox can be a crafty fellow and will dig to get to some grub.
My neighbours are very good and warn me when they have seen a fox around. It doesn't have to be night time for them to visit.
After the poultry are put to bed we often walk the dogs around the poultry runs so they leave their scent.
Poultry are great fun to have around

Thanks, I like to do as much research as possible before committing to anything. I'm only thinking 4 maximum.
My main concern is my dogs barking at them but I can screen the paddock gate off and then they will only be walked past where they would be kept on a lead to go off our property for a walk.

Whilst we are only one of two properties in a field our neighbours area where she keeps her poultry does adjoin where we would keep ours. Would this be a problem? She messaged me last night saying she is thinking of restocking with 8 Appleyards and would I object. My concern would be if they got into our property, I don't think 4 raw fed terriers would think twice.

Someone else I know said that to deter a fox you fill popsocks with human or animal hair and hang them round the enclosure! I doubt I would rely solely on this ;)

Couple of final questions if you don't mind:

I have joined the Indian runner duck society and a couple of FB groups, how do I know what do look for when looking for a breeder? I know like pups they have to be socialised from an early age to make them more manageable.
Approximately how much should I pay for them and what sort of housing is best , I want something that I can get in to clean out thoroughly.

Getting quite excited now, this will be my spring project. Grateful for any help given, You really can find out anything on here :)

I'm down to 1 Indian Runner and 2 bantam silkies now but have in the past had more. The Indian Runners are the most comical ducks I've had and I'm sure you'd enjoy having them around.

Regarding housing, I'd thoroughly recommend Solway products. They are made from recycled plastic and are very easy to clean, can be hosed down, don't rot and don't harbour pests as some of the wooden housing does. (http://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/recycled-shop/pet-products-equestrian/duck-houses/duck-coop)

I think you'd find the dogs would get used to them being around. I've got a couple that would happily wander around with the ducks/hens and do them no harm, although others wouldn't. But being the other side of a fence doesn't seem to send them frantic, they just know they are there.

That's a very reasonable price, I've seen cheap coops on Ebay that wouldn't last a Scottish winter, dearer than those.

I've had a chicken house from them for a couple of years and it really is as good as new. They aren't the most attractive houses I've seen but being virtually maintenance-free appealed to me and I had a problem with red-mite in my old wooden house which I haven't with these.

Before the geese we had Indian Runners and Call ducks that I could hear a good distance away across a field when I walked the dogs. It was comical because it sounded like someone laughing. We got lovely eggs from both but, like the geese, were very messy. They were allowed to roam round our garden which was completely fenced in during the day and rounded up before it got dark, the run was surrounded by electric fencing. The dogs were all used to them. Also kept chickens and bantams (my favourite) as they were quite feisty and cleaner!

Initially my husband wasn't that keen but then after me researching he came on board. Yesterday my neighbour replaced her Indian Runners and then I got a text off her saying they had got into the field through a hole that she was not aware of. My husband and son go to help search (I've had a foot op so can't get out) they find ducks but they got into a culvert that they couldn't reach them so had to give up for the night.

Now he's saying that it would be too upsetting for us if ours disappeared or got taken by the fox. I am now having to convince him that I am more methodical than the neighbour and take my responsibilities seriously. So close yet so far :(

Does anyone have any idea of price? I have searched various sites and they seem to vary greatly. I wouldn't entertain going to any of the more "all round" sites.