Duck safe plants for around the run

[Hailstorm916]

Good Morning!

We are in the process of building our first duck run with it's own pond and everything, and I had some questions about plants! I was thinking around the outside of the run using raised garden beds to grow duck safe plants to make it more aesthetically pleasing, and to have a use for the duck water! Has anyone else done that and could give me an idea of what they planted that is duck safe, and will fill in the beds? I have seen so many posts about plants inside the run, but I was looking more outside. I know they will probably nibble on them from the inside, so I want to make sure they are safe.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We used to use the water from the duck kiddie pool to water our blueberry bushes and boy did they produce. So perhaps blueberry, or raspberry. You also could grow greens to feed the ducks. It all depends what you want. Shrubs, perennial, or annual.

 

[paintedChix]

Good Morning!

We are in the process of building our first duck run with it's own pond and everything, and I had some questions about plants! I was thinking around the outside of the run using raised garden beds to grow duck safe plants to make it more aesthetically pleasing, and to have a use for the duck water! Has anyone else done that and could give me an idea of what they planted that is duck safe, and will fill in the beds? I have seen so many posts about plants inside the run, but I was looking more outside. I know they will probably nibble on them from the inside, so I want to make sure they are safe.

I would look up water plants that are safe for ducks.

Then, plant veggies & greens that you like & share.

Ducks LOVE melons. When "served", they at least need to be cut in half so they can reach the flesh. Except on over ripe ones, drop those & watch the ducks chase down the exploded parts.

Green beans & peas (edible veggie ones, not the ornamental) will vine over the coop, offering shade & snacks. When pulling them out end of season, drop the vines in the run for them as well.

Mints - all flavors. Comfrey. You could do them in pots in their run or depending on how it does, use it as a ground cover. Most say not to plant in ground - it spreads easy & fast. Me, I kill mint & Comfrey, LOL. In containers, raised beds & in ground!! I bought seeds & will try again now that I'm not working (w/ all of it).

EDIT - Ducks don't scratch the same as chickens. Many plants would do well once established. Protect the roots till then, they should be good. If your run is big enough, they do great w/ fruit trees. You can prune them to keep them under your run "ceiling" or espeliar (spelling?) them. Great book - Grow a Little Fruit Tree.