There are risks to letting the birds free-range during the day.
Two ducks disappeared.
Nothing was left of them but a few feathers in the falling snow.
There are risks.
But I like to think it’s about the quality of life.
Between the legions of furry, sharped-toothed animals and the freezer, many of our ducks won’t live long. But they’ll all live well.
And that makes all the difference.
For those of you who have been wondering, the ducks do fine in the winter. They always can go in and out of their house and on very cold sunny days they usually sit inside soaking up the rays coming through the windows. But, as you can see, even when it’s snowing, they’d rather be outside.
Behind the Willows 
They are look happy! A new saying…”Happy as ducks in snow!”
They like it better than the chickens do that’s for sure! The chickens just look out the door at the white stuff and stay inside!
Proper ladies the chickens! 😉 no monkey business for them!
A free duck is a happy duck ☺️
You got it!
Makes for beautiful pictures as well.
They are helpful photography assistants like that! 😉
I’m sorry for the loss of your feathered friends… and agree with you that it is *truly about the quality of life!
Also, good to know they do well in the snow! I’d read they are sensitive to the cold, so have bee hesitant to keep them. I must do more research! What kind do you keep?
I find that they do much better in the cold than the chickens do. They are so well insulated, they run out on the snow and ice, find a bit of sun, tuck their toes into their down and take a little nap. I’ve never had any trouble with frost bite or cold issues with the ducks.
These guys are Anconas (We’ve also had Khaki Campbells and Runners) we keep them for the eggs. They don’t lay well in the winter unless it’s their first year (and of course two first year ducks got taken! grrr!) but they’ll lay an egg a day the rest of the year!
I agree that they’re much better off having that kind of freedom. There is a neighbour (here in town) who has a rabbit in a tiny cage and that rabbit lives in that little cage in all weather and is never out — so very sad. Your ducks are very fortunate.
Well, a fox (or whatever that was) hasn’t come and eaten the bunny either so I can see while people do it even if I wouldn’t. It’s a trade off for sure.