Are Welsh Harlequins retarded?

[dumb_cluck]

I've had Mallards before, but this is the first time for Welshies.

I taught my Mallards to "get on the bus" (meaning get into the cage for transport to the pool) and they got it right away.

My new Welshies, however, when I use the same technique, seem to be ah, well..., sorta, retarded.

I used a small dollar store broom as the indicator to move from one pen or cage to another. Mallards....no problem.
Welshies.........you'd think they were being attacked by Godzilla!

Any ideas? Or someone who has dealt with the "abnormal behavior" ?

 

[Dances with Ducks]

That's normal for the egg laying breeds like Khaki Campbell, Runners and the WH, their fear of being eaten is just stronger in them for some reason. So they are extremly skittish and know they are easy prey for preditors. They are not stupid, or more bird-brained than other ducks, their survival instinct just overcomes everything else.

 

[dumb_cluck]

I did notice that once I got them into their pool.......if ANYTHING was hovering above. they would be a still as statues! Same with other distractions they did not "know". Hmmm. maybe they are smarter than i give them credit for.