PLEASE HELP! I recently moved to the country and inherited two adult geese (toulouse?) and an adult duck. I have expanded the flock to include 3 ducklings that are almost ready to join the others. I also have 40 chicks and 10 guineas. As it is now, everyone is living happily together. However, I would like tomove the geese and ducks out to the pasture with the horse so they can use the pond and forage on their own. My problem is this, I have three dogs that have proven themselves quite adept at hunting, and I don't want to lose my birds. I had the underground fencing installed and it's amazing at keeping the dogs where they belong, (I HGHLY recommend it!!!) but I'm concerned that the birds will swim across the pond and come up on the 'wrong bank' into the dog's area.

I was thinking that maybe the floats and ropes like you see in a swimming pool might contain them, but thought maybe they'd go right over, or even under the barrier. Another option that I'm saving as a last resort is fencing through the pond, though it would be difficult to do.

ANY advice at all would be much appreciated. Please feel free to email me at pagan_cowgirl@yahoo.com with any tips. I know that if I leave them in the pen with the chickens, they'll be fine, but I'd love to see them out there swimming. Getting rid of the dogs is NOT an option.

Also, would it work to just cut a 'bird door' in a stall in the horse barn and somehow convince them to go in there at night rather than back to the chicken coop?

Thanks!

Karma

The swimming pool line is a great idea, but keep it pulled fairly tight, or use a line of floats. Now that it is summer, you should be able to get your hands on some "fun noodles" that the kids use in pools. They are about 3 feet long and three inches wide and come in bright colors. Cut a slit into each one length wise (like a hotdog bun) and slide it over the rope. This is a lot cheaper than buying pool line!
I think a birds door, off the ground level with a ramp, would work - as long as you close it at night. Goslings are pretty tasty if you're a carnivore.