[The Chicken Lady]

I have had chickens for afew years now and have wanted ducks for some time. I have on order a trio of East India ducks. I will have them when I return from holiday at the end of August. I have their shelter and water in hand. I still have to get feed for them although I am told that they can eat the same as chickens. What I really want to know is how can I be sure that they won't fly away. Everything I have is free range and I live in the middle of nowhere.

[WG.]

You can clip their wings.  See http://omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Ducks&cat=Duck%20Health&sub=wing%20clipping

[slowef]

How old are these ducks going to be?  If they are ducklings please be carefull as chick crumbs contain Coccidistats which can poison ducklings so go for an organic or specialist duck brand.  I found this out when I got mine a few months ago.  

Older ducks are ok with pellets but my ducks don't really like them and I buy cracked wheat and barley from a local farmer and its much cheaper.  They will not need that much as they forage bugs and weeds in the garden.  The odd lettuce is also very welcome, mine love them.
http://www.store.allenandpage.co.uk/index.htm

[The Chicken Lady]

These ducks are ready to come now so they are past the chick crumb stage. Will I have to clip their wings, or is there a chance they will stay put :?:

[slowef]

Don't know I am afraid mine are big old Aylesbury's (14 weeks actually) and they eat so well don't think they could take off if they wanted  

I too have no neigbours and a large plot of land so I think if they have enough room and are well fed they're not going to want to roam far