Catching ducks?

[docdubz]

It's a bit tougher with 4 (I only have 2) but if you have a box big enough and you can steadily carry it, that's what i do with mine when I need to move them (their pool is currently up some stairs). They dont like going in the box for sure but it means i can move them both at the same time, and if I close the lid on them they freak out less. They're only in it for about 30 seconds, just walk them into a corner, put the box down, quickly put them in the box and shut the lid and then off we go

Maybe a large tote bin wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll try that tomorrow. Two of them almost got loose when it was time to bring them inside tonight. Pretty sure id never have caught them if they got loose in my woods.

 

[LT71689]

Maybe a large tote bin wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll try that tomorrow. Two of them almost got loose when it was time to bring them inside tonight. Pretty sure id never have caught them if they got loose in my woods.

I think when push comes to shove people are generally faster than clumsy ducks that trip over their own feet as they run while looking backwards...but you wanna avoid an all-out chase as best you can of course, less stressful and less chance someone gets hurt. I've only had to really chase mine down once to grab something out of its mouth, 99% of the time we just mosey our way into a corner where I can grab them slightly less frantically.

You'll want a firm grip on it because they of course wont just lay down quietly, they'll rock back and forth throwing the box off-balance. I kinda hold mine tight to my chest so I dont jostle it too much and can better control their flapping around. I tried keeping the lid open thinking theyd freak out less but they actually do better with it closed and less of an idea of whats going on

 

[docdubz]

Welp. Tried the tote bin approach this morning. It was much quicker and much easier than carrying them individually. But it was fairly dangerous for them. I kept the bin from wobbling or anything like that but they still panicked a bit and they kept slipping and falling into splits. They seem to be walking fine but that could have easily been an injury.

I'd say that plastic tote bins are not a good idea for this. Cardboard would have been a better choice.

 

[HalfWayUpAMountain]

Still sounds like progress ! I think anything that is solid all the way round and deep enough will do (they can really jump when motivated !).

We use these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medium-Fle...ocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-699418242903&psc=1

and they can double up for a quick (and shallow) swim when they are super small.

 

[LT71689]

I put a thin layer of wood chips in the bottom of the bin/box, or an old towel. Should have mentioned that!