Backyard ducks in creek

[PCM]

We tried to introduce them to the creek one at a time Monday. No go! They ran back to the fenced yard and begged to get back in.

They definitely don’t like change. Maybe after a few more tries... It will be a bit before we try with ours. We still have fence, etc that needs to be completed first. I’ll let you know how it goes. Maybe it’ll help if they see my dog go in first or if I charm them with peas.

 

[McChics]

I was able to get them to follow me to the creek yesterday. They rutted around in the super shallow muddy areas...but didn't want to swim. I caught one of them and tossed her out...my wife said "We have a Jesus DUCK..." because she seemed to walk on water while flapping the wings like a hurricane and zipped back to the shore with her buddies. Bad move on my part...but she seemed to get over it pretty quick. After about 5 minutes of rutting around the shore and exploring the edges...they wanted back to the fenced yard and the comfort of their dollar general kiddie pools.

 

[Duck_life]

my 2 oldest ducks hated our creek at first, we never fenced it in even though we knew the risks, they always come back though. if your creek has loud running water that might be making them nervous, they'll get used to it eventually.

 

[PCM]

I also was able to get them into the creek for the first time yesterday! They seemed to like it, had fun but got out all on their own. I put them in the area that we are building a perimeter (not yet complete but thought it would hold them for a few hours of free ranging) and when I came to check on them they were back in the creek! I guess they really liked it. They seemed to be able to navigate the current without issues but I definitely will not allow them to go in when it floods after any major storm. Attempted to attach a video but it was too big, here is a pic.

Pretty happy I was able to do this for them. The more "natural" life they have the more happy I think they will be. They deserve it for all they do and give me. Thank you everyone for all of your feedback and input!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Really nice picture. They look to be enjoying the creek!

 

[Alburner]

I know this is an older post but I was wondering if you had any success confining them. My ducks are on my parents property and it has a very small creek that runs in the front yard. I’ve been trying to think of a temporary fence I could through up when I want to give them access to the creek. There is a road that the creek runs up to and I’d like to keep them in the part further back while I help them with their yard work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I wanted to add a video of them but I can’t seem to figure it out

 

[Miss Lydia]

Videos have to be uploaded to Vimeo or you tube then copy and pasted here.

As for fencing the creek off people do it a lot around here to give their cattle a place to drink you'd just have to make sure they can't slip out through the bottom. in other words the fence has to lay n the bottom of the creek bed. Most of us don't have a creek for our water fowl to play in and kiddy pools work great.

 

[DucksOhio]

Sorry for the late reply, we are still unpacking from our move. We always have our peas in a metal bowl that has rings on the side and we "jingle" the bowl and they come running! Ducks and their peas...

I like to think that they run to see me because they like me so much...nothing to do with the pound of peas I have in my hand, lol.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I like to think that they run to see me because they like me so much...nothing to do with the pound of peas I have in my hand, lol.

Nope not at all!