Mark wrote:

I'm thinking of getting half a dozen ducks.

#1 -- It would be cool (to a geek like me)

#2 -- I'm imagining that they'll help keep the bug and slug population
down in my yard/garden.

Has anyone here done this? Do they eat seedlings and other stuff
you'd rather keep in the garden? Is this, for some reason, a
phenomenally bad idea?

I have a plot of raised beds in my backyard that can easily be fenced
in, thanks to the neighbors on two sides who have chainlink fences
bordering my yard. I'm thinking of chicken wire, a kiddie pool for
them to splash around in, and a ramp up into my garden shed so they
have shelter when necessary.

I spilled the beans to my kids already, so they're running around the
house "naming" the ducks we don't even have yet. Any input would be
appreciated.


Well you may be interested but there were some Khaki X's going free from
Freightliners City Farm in Islington/London
http://www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk/

They generally eat worms, slugs but will tramp on stuff (tho are better
behaved than chickens IMO. ) They need a foxproof house for nighttime
and enjoy a pool or pond to spalsh/dabble in.

This is aminly just form obeservation. I'm no duck expert!

Good for pest control after a crop though. Let them in and they'll
help/clear ground.. Don't let them in when digging. They get right
under your feet or fork.. Dangerous!

Not sure of you're location though.
//
J