Do ducks go into coop at night?

[Wildsky]

My ducks make it up on my deck just fine!

As for going in the coop - they do eventually go in, sometimes I have to send the dog out to herd them over to the coop - my dog is very young, but she gets the general idea, and the ducks waddle slowly over and go in.
THey go in at least an hour after the chickens.

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
yes. mine do. they climb ramps into their pools also.
they have little claws on their feet and can grip pretty decently for traction.

 

[Heather J]

When my ducks and geese were little they got used to the sound of scratch falling into their food dish before I started letting them out to range. Once they were ranging all I had to do was herd them toward their gate (one advantage of ducks over chickens, they can be herded where you want them), then poured some grain into the dish, even if it was only a handful or two for the 8 birds. They came running. Now when I go out to lock the chickens up at dusk, I just have to walk over to the door to their run (which is pretty secure, they have shelter inside, but never use it except when it's sunny out) and they come running, going right in. They know they have to go in to get their bedtime treat. My Muscovies sleep in the chicken run, and they also are easily lured by the promise of a bedtime snack.

 

[Henrietta23]

I've had my ducks for about 6 months, a little more. At first I had to chase them in. Then my blue swedish started going in on their own. After a few months, the khakis started following the blues in. It may help that it's cold. Not sure.

 

[Giddyup]

Yup, mine go in...later than the chickens. Occassionally they forget and I have to herd them in, but it's kinda fun...shine the flashlight ahead of them so they can see....

 

[redhen]

hi.i didnt read all the posts but..my 2 ducks go into their house every night by themselves..around dusk time..at first (the first few times)..we had to catch them and put them in, and we would always feed them then also..now..when we go outside at dusk..they go right in and wait to be fed...workes like a charm every night..

 

[jmc]

Quote:
Thank you all for the helpful replies!

Heather, what you say above sounds interesting. Do you mean that ducks can't move with the speed or agility of chickens (Runners excepted!!), so that is why you can herd them more easily???

 

[Giddyup]

Even runners are easily herded, as long as you don't push them too fast. I find ducks cling together and move as a group where chickens tend to scatter.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

We herd ours with a plastic garden rake. I think having the "claw" on the end of the stick makes it a little more motivating than just a plain old stick.

But ducks herd very well with just a stick, or with hand motions. We just walk behind them and when they stray too far to one side, we raise an arm or stick and they will head the other direction. We find it somewhat amusing to herd them to bed at night, so we don't find it a bother.

My ducks have also learned what "go to bed" means. They typically only revolt on days when they don't get enough free-range time, so I can't blame them.

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
i thought i might be the only crazy chicken lady rounding things up with a rake!

we use a stall rake and keep the points bent away from the chickens/ducks/turkeys and it works great for just pointing the way.

the neighbors all probably think i am nuts though, saying, "Let's go to bed!" and walking behind meat chickens with a huge 'fork'!