Spoiled, Rotten Ducks

​My property is only two acres in size, but it has a very unique topography.
It is slightly sloped and has several tiny springs that flow freely in the fall and winter, but dry up in the summer.
This spot, Dirt Lovers, is where I built a home for quite possibly, the world's most spoiled rotten Runner Ducks.

​During the summer, the ladies float in an antique pedestal tub (below right) that drains into the pond on the left. They are fully enclosed most of the time, but when I'm gardening the little buggers are allowed to roam freely in the yard to collect slugs and search for watering holes.

They wont run away because they know where they live and where their own watering hole is. If a predator were to chase them, they would scatter. They are very fast, but not faster than a bobcat. 

My advice to future Runner Duck owners is to have natural water on your property. This animal is not for the average back yard farm due to the vast amount of water they need and how much water it takes to keep their space clean. 
Ducks grab dirt and shake their bills out in the water to capture delicious bugs and greens. The dirt ends up in their water, along with their poop. Dirty animals. 

More duck care tips:

• Build everything in their space so that it can be hosed off. I have two doors on each side of their structures so I can spray from one side to the other.
• Unless you want rodents, be vigil when handling duck food. Keep it within the duck house. 
• Water fowl food comes in 25 lb. bags. Keep the food in a galvanized, locked garbage can so it stays dry and predators can't access it.
• I use a Tupperware container to free feed, so the ducks have access to their food 24/7.
• Separate the food and water, otherwise the water will end up in the food and mold. My water bucket is about 6 feet away from the food. I keep the food in a small doghouse that is adjoined to the larger run.
• Give ducks a dry corner with straw to lay their eggs. Use ceramic eggs to show them where to lay.

So, why have ducks? They're funny!! They quack at us when they're running low on food. They quack at me, and make direct eye contact when their favorite spot is dirty. They're very bossy.

They lay delicious eggs.

And no, I don't eat my ducks.