One of my (hen) egg customers was talking about installing a pond with an island in her garden so she could get a few ducks.. She was round today so I asked and theoretically she would be ready in 4 weeks or so, maybe a bit after, but she was worried about her dogs getting hold of them particularly if she bought young ones.
She has 2 Bouviers, both rescues and fabulous big dogs, they never bother other dogs but she says they've killed partridge they've cornered in the garden before now and she'd hate to have ducks that didn't make it if they're basically doomed..
I have already mentioned I may be able to source ducks or ducklings for her if and when she's ready to go, but I said I'd ask what duck and dog owners thought and whether there are any breeds or ages that would have a better chance, more flight capable for instance or more assertive?
I know nothing about ducks whatsoever, but I also know I thought letting my hens free range with 3 cats would be a challenge and it hasn't proved to be an issue at all - tho I'm worrying about the wee chick when it gets to go out but that's another story.
Any duck or Bouvier de Flandre breed gurus that can reassure her or else tell her to not waste time with the island and just go for fish? She has a massive garden so it'll be a decent size pond, not a goldfish bowl, and professionally constructed/landscaped as far as I can make out.
If I cross post this in the dog section I apologise for any irritation but I don't know if non-poultry owning dog folk might know representatives of the breed that live happily alongside ducks..