Duck herding fun

Our new ducklings are not the only part of our new fascination with web-footed birds. This past weekend, Webb and I traveled to Red Creek Farm in Townville, South Carolina for our very first duck herding trial. It was a great weekend, shared with about 20 other handlers and 30 dogs. Webb has herded the ducklings at home, but this was his first time to try a competition.

What’s the hardest part of herding ducks? Well, you might say that, compared to sheep, it’s pure pandemonium. Remember that funny Superbowl commercial about herding cats? It turns out ducks and cats have something in common - an “every man for himself” attitude that drives the herding dogs crazy. Sheep, as a rule, stick with friends when they are uncertain, so the dog has a chance to keep the flock together without trying so hard. With ducks... well, they act like ducks. Webb gave it his best shot, but we have a lot of training to go before he herds ducks as well as he herds sheep.

The weekend also included a clinic on raising and caring for duck, including proper duck husbandry, feeding, and housing ducks. Because I was unable to buy ducklings earlier from the breed I wanted, I was glad to have the opportunity to buy 3 Saxony ducks, one drake and two hens, so that we can hopefully raise ducklings ourselves next spring. Webb kept an eye on them in the adjoining crate all the way home, which was a loud, boisterous ride.

If you are interested in learning to herd with your dog, ducks might be a place to start. Naturally, ducks take less space and are cheaper to purchase. Namaste Farm hopes to have ducks for sale next year. Check back here often for more pictures and videos as Webb does more herding, sheep and ducks.