Advice Please!!! Ducklings won't go outside

[Sue S]

My ducklings are about 6wks old, I moved them into the new duck pen a week ago today. They stay in the new pen at night away from the adult ducks ( they adult ducks are in the enclosed run at night which is attached to the new pen ). Then the ducklings go into the run in the mornings when the adult ducks free range, I have a kiddie pool in the run so they can swim & the ducks can see the ducklings. My problem is the ducklings don't like to be outside ( out of the run ) I open the door & call for them but the run into the enclosed part of the run & freak out went I go into to get them out & run back into the run. I want them to be out of the run to walk in the yard & swim in the pond. Any ideas????

 

[PirateGirl]

They are safe and comfortable where they are at. Leave the gate/door open when you want them to have access to the outdoors, hopefully they will start to venture out eventually.

Have they had interaction with the adult ducks yet? They could (and probably should) be scared of them.

 

[ReagyEggy]

Maybe scatter some tasty treats by the exit and continuing outside. I don't have ducks, but I'm sure they respond similarly to chickens when lured by something they like to eat.

 

[Sue S]

I don't want to leave the door open when I'm not outside to supervise, & yes, they have had some interaction with my male duck, I let him into the run yesterday & he didn't bother them he just jumped into the pool!!! I also let 1 of my female in the run & she was more scared of them than they were of her!!!

 

[Sue S]

Maybe scatter some tasty treats by the exit and continuing outside. I don't have ducks, but I'm sure they respond similarly to chickens when lured by something they like to eat.

I will try that tomorrow!!!

 

[PirateGirl]

They're just scared. Don't force them, it will make them more scared. I'm not saying leave the door open 24/7, just leave it open when you are out and able to supervise. I wouldn't leave them unattended with the adult ducks until they are larger anyway. They'll get curious.

 

[Sue S]

I'm going to try leaving them out tomorrow morning before I leave the adults out. Maybe they will venture around if they realize the adults won't bother them.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

White Layers?
Don't rush them! Soon enough you will wish they would go back into their house for the night! My ducks are scared of everything new, even if its a plastic bag blown into the yard from the wind.

 

[Sue S]

White Layers?
Don't rush them! Soon enough you will wish they would go back into their house for the night! My ducks are scared of everything new, even if its a plastic bag blown into the yard from the wind.

1 pekin & 1 white layer. I will try to be patient with them!!!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

1 pekin & 1 white layer. I will try to be patient with them!!!

I see, i wasn't sure about the duck with the orange bill as one of my White Layers has a slightly orange bill too. Lovely birds!