Duck problem

[romanerin2011]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to keeping ducks and have run into a problem. I have 3 white ducklings and had 3 but now 2 black ducklings. I built them a nice floating duck hut but they won't go inside at night, thought they'd do like my chickens do. Well I woke up this morning with one of the black ducklings missing. I've tried capturing them but when I get close they just jump in the water and swim to the other side. Coaxing them with feed won't work either as they have all the tadpoles and shrimp they can eat on the banks of the pond. So am I SOL or what? Would it be better next time to lock them in the hut for a few days?

 

[romanerin2011]

 

[farm316]

1.)Have you checked the pond/water for any sign of predators?

Predators such as: Snapping turtles, snakes, and other animals will try and eat your duckings, even tho they might be to big from anything, they certainly aren't big enough and will not be big enough from the eyes of the water predators, snapping turtles have been known to kill adult ducks.

2.)Is there some way you can access the floating house? And Is it safe?

You can obviously access this house, if your trying to lure them in it. The only problem is, can the water (Enemies) Destroy this house?
Many people including duck owners prefer to have their houses on land. Sure it might save the risk of land animals,

3.)The problem is..

Your ducks are scared of you, which is very normal for young and small ducks. These ducks are using the water as a defence to you. You cannot go into the water, and they can swim to the middle of that pond and there is no way that you can get them (Unless you have a boat). Also, the ducks have no cages do they? It looks as if the ducks are basically roaming free, In your picture it looks like you live near the woods; If you can't get the ducks into their safe house then they are not safe at all, plenty land animals are very able to swim, and small ducks are a perfect target. Plus they can go into the woods as a small adventure.

4.)What I think you should do

I think you should

1.) Wait till they get older before allowing them to live/sleep in the pond
2.) When they get older, let them get used to you
3.) Secure your pond.
4.) Have them on land, where you can access them easier, and bond better with you.

You may have your own reasons on why you want them on the pond, this is just my personal opinion. I am not telling you that you need to put that coop on land. I am also open for your thoughts and Ideas also.

 

[romanerin2011]

Well I had them on the pond because they are real pretty and entertaining to look at, and plus they're ducks, they seem very happy on the water. I haven't seen any signs of snapping turtles or snakes, wouldn't think they'd have much to eat as I haven't put any fish in there and we built that pond less than a year ago, but they're could be fish in their, nature does find it's way. As far as animals able to get in the house, they'd have to be very strong as it is very well built. I'm thinking it's a raccoon as I'm down to 4 ducks today, and that's how raccoons operate. They kill them one at a time. I might have to camp out there tonight since I'm 99% sure it will be back tonight, hopefully it'll enjoy it's surprise party I have planned for it.

 

[farm316]

I understand, I would still keep then on land so that they can ger used to you

 

[romanerin2011]

Good news, I was able to sneak up on them tonight and caught them and put them in my chicken coop where they were. So, I pulled my floating duck to the shore and took it off it's floating deck. I'm currently building a dock that will be enclosed, and will have the hut attached to it so they will all be enclosed. Now, my plan is to keep them in there for a few weeks, being in control of giving them food and water so they will learn who I am and trust me. At some point I'd like to be able to let them out during the day, so they can swim and go in at night. Anyone have some tips on accomplishing this? They're ducks and I have a pond, I feel that they'd be tortured to see a pond they can't get in. Any tips?

 

[farm316]

Normally having your ducks not see the pond, would be a good try. our ducks have an artificial pool and they lovvve it! I think your idea to bond with them is great! Just make sure you have a bunch of peas! THey normally have a good time in that fencing you have put.. I wouldn't let them in the pond, yes they will be a a bit sad but I think that the will attach to you better/ Instead of the pond;

 

[romanerin2011]

This their completed enclosure. I plan on keeping them in there until they're full grown so they'll learn that they are safe they're. I think it should work, I've read many other posts from others that have a pond and they sorta did the same thing and there's go to the coop at night.

 

[romanerin2011]

That thing on top of the run is a planter box. I figured it'd take attention off the hardware cloth once plants are in it.

 

[farm316]

I love the coop! The ramp is very neat.. spacing for them is not an issue. But when they get bigger, they might need some more room.. I like the idea keeping them in there until they are adults.. You did a great job. I don't think that the raccoons can get them now