Rescued ducks join pest control squad at vineyard

A QUACK pest-control squad has taken up residence at a Tasmanian vineyard after being rescued by the RSPCA.

Frogmore Creek Vineyard has adopted 24 ducks from the animal welfare group to join an existing flock already patrolling the vines for pests — particularly snails — at Campania.

RSPCA chief executive Peter West yesterday said the ducks were among 188 animals seized from a Southern Midlands property about 18 months ago but the courts only awarded ownership to the society last week, paving the way for the adoption.

“We get a lot of birds — mainly roosters and ducks. We’ve got three peacocks here at the moment,” Mr West said of the organisation’s headquarters on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

“We are happy to see them go for a whole range of reasons. They had really decimated a couple of our paddocks.

“Not only did Frogmore pay an adoption fee but they also donated some wines which we can use for a fundraiser.

“We are delighted to see the ducks getting to enjoy a new life among the vines and to know the ducks will serve a useful purpose makes this rehoming all the more special.”

Frogmore vineyard manager Danny Belbin is also happy to be adding to his menagerie.

He said ducks were a sustainable way to keep pests under control.

The vineyard also used sheep to keep the grass down.

“Our team are always looking at ways to help make our winemaking practices more sustainable and in keeping with community expectations,” Mr Belbin said.

“These ducks will not only provide a wonderful atmosphere around the dams and vines, they will be an important part of the winegrowing story.”