Can you train ducks NOT to go to a certain place?

[arrowti]

So during the day I like to let the ducks free range since we're around to watch them and they fight with the chickens if they're fenced in (the chickens started it!). Unfortunately said ducks like to go down the road. I don't know why. They just recently started going down and I can't figure out what has lured them to it. For the most part, they stay out of the road. Until someone comes walking and then they take off across the road.

Every time they go by the road I've revoked their 'free range privilege' and locked them back up inside the fence. Repeat the next day, and the next day.

I didn't let them out at all yesterday, but I did after I got home from work today. And of course they go down there after spending all day behaving and staying away, and while I was trying to chase them in and they nearly all got hit at the same time because instead of running in a straight line all 4 took off in front of a fast moving TRUCK and stopped in the middle of the road!

So options are to train ducks not to go down there, if possible, or not let them free range at all.

Ideally I wish they had their own separate pasture away from the chickens as that would solve all the problems at once and then the nasty aggressive chickens can fight with each other instead, but fencing's not too cheap.

Or maybe teach them that cars are scarier than people because apparently running in front of a truck speeding at 65 is 'safer' to them than a person slowly walking towards them.

They're just stressing me out!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I have spent a lot of time trying to teach mine to stay out of my in-ground swimming pool. They have two baby pools in the garden where they spend the day and two more where they are allowed out in the afternoon, when they free range and can get to my pool. The oldest two were afraid of large beach balls (which I threw in their direction if they came close to the pool). As long as the balls didn't blow out of the pool, they stayed out. My younger three never developed the fear of beach balls I am not sure why. As a result, they will walk the length of the yard to my pool, peak around the bushes to see if I am watching, and then quickly run and jump in if they think I am not paying attention. If they hear the house door open, they quickly get out of the pool and run back were they should be to avoid a beach ball or noodle being thrown in their direction. I have tried using shiny reflective curling ribbon tied on stakes across the yard with short term success but they eventually lose their fear of it too.
I tell you all this to say that I think that ducks are smart enough to learn what you want and fear works in your favor. However, they may not be willing to do what you want and may get over their fear. If you manage to figure out how to train them, I would love to know how.
ps if you are thinking why in the world did I get ducks when I had a swimming pool. I wanted eggs. The neighbor has chickens with her pool and has had several fall in and drown. At least my ducks don't drown.

 

[arrowti]

That's funny, because I've observed they like to do things more when they're not supposed to do it!

If I had a person-looking mechanical thing that moves when there's motion and makes noise that'd probably scare them off but since I don't... I don't want to come out to see squashed quackers in the middle of the road so I guess they'll be staying in for now!

Naughty ducks.

 

[chickens really]

I have an electric poultry fence but do not have it on....It was not expensive....That keeps my Chickens confined during free range time....You can use it for Ducks also to keep them confined to a free range area....lots of cheap temporary fence options....

 

[jofanx]

If I found the answer to that, I'd be keeping them off my deck. I tried everything--not coming out from the patio door, pest control motion activated supersonic thing, sprayed them with water, wave a pool noodle at them, etc. They'll remember for maybe 3 days and go right back to getting on the deck.

Let me know if you find something working, as my deck is very large and there's no way I can fence it up.

Go figure, they have half an acre to roam but they choose to sit on my darn deck.