Quote Originally Posted by distaff View Post
Poultry keeper here. Current flock is Silver Dorkings, with an older buff Orph. and an elderly bantam cochin. Would like to get ducks, but they can really raise the feed costs, and then there is the mess! I also want pigeons, but right now we are focused in getting the milk goats back into production. One can only deal with so many projects at once.

WHO on Earth could possibly think domestic ducks could survive "free"?
Wow.
Exactly. They just aren't wild animals. Once we domesticate something, we need to take full responsibility of it. That means keeping them safe and secure, not just throwing them out. Oh, and the ducks are very messy and food is expensive, but it can really cut down costs to let them range and forage all day. I also supplement their diet with veggies, greens, and a little fruit. I've always wanted pigeons as well, particularly homing pigeons. Unfortunately I have my hands full; too many pets I guess.