Ducks behavior

[Sallyjoy]

Hi everyone
We have a flock of 17 ducks, 3 pekin and 14 Rouen Ducks. Every time we add something different to their inside, outside coop or to their run, they are very scared to go near the area the object is! For instance about a week ago we adding a medium sized black bucket of water to their outside part of their coop, we had to switch their metal watering can so we could place a warming plate in it so their water does not freeze. It has been about a week and they still have not drank from it. In the past they have adjusted within a couple of days. They also have a pool of water that has been freezing every night, and I have went out and broken the ice and pulled the ice out. Pretty soon I won’t be able to do that and I’m worried about what they will drink if they refuse to go near the new water bucket! My question is if anyone else has experienced this before and if anyone has any ideas for us?
Thank you so much Joy

 

[Hope Hughes]

Hello​

Welcome to BYC!!
So glad to have you here!!
Thanks for sharing your story!!
There are many people on here that are ready to help in anyway they can!
The learning center also has alot of great information on it as well!
My ducks do the same thing they dont like new things. My ducks ran from a new kiddi pool we got them because it was a different color so i put 2 and put them in the pool a couple times and they realized it didnt hurt them and that it was water. It was a pain in the butt lol they kinda got used to stuff being added over time bit still shyed away from most of it.
Im not 100% experanced with ducks like other people on here they will be here soon to have more answers.​

 

[CntryBoy777]

Something ya can do is to go talk to them and call them to ya standing by the black bucket filled to the brim with water and splash your hand in it, or if it is above freezing but too cold to put your hand in it, use the hose and spray water into it....they are drawn to the sound of running water and it pooling on the ground around the bucket will also draw them to bill in the puddle....they will realize that the big black monster isn't going to harm them and become their new bestess friend....

 

[chickens really]

Do you have a GFI cord also...Ground fault interrupter ?..Shocks?...Show them it's fun by splashing your fingers in the water...Float some peas or lettuce to entice them...Monkey see, Monkey do with Ducks...

 

[CarleeAnn]

If your ducks are comfortable enough with you, you could take one and gentle dip it’s bill in the bucket, once they realize it won’t hurt them they will all gladly drink!

Toss some treats to them then toss them closer and closer to the bucket until you toss some in the bucket...

My ducks were terrified of their new pond, it took me getting in first for them to want to follow and join me!! Now I have to try and get them out of it every night. Haha

 

[chickens really]

If your ducks are comfortable enough with you, you could take one and gentle dip it’s bill in the bucket, once they realize it won’t hurt them they will all gladly drink!

Toss some treats to them then toss them closer and closer to the bucket until you toss some in the bucket...

My ducks were terrified of their new pond, it took me getting in first for them to want to follow and join me!! Now I have to try and get them out of it every night. Haha

The problem with forcing them by dipping the Bill in the water is they are already scared and possibly will be even more scared of the bucket after forcing them..Ducks love fun and do not do anything by being forced..

 

[CarleeAnn]

The problem with forcing them by dipping the Bill in the water is they are already scared and possibly will be even more scared of the bucket after forcing them..Ducks love fun and do not do anything by being forced..

Treats and fun would definetly be the way to go! But when my ducks were ducklings they let me hold them and show them where the water was. My ducks are now grown but still do well being introduced to new things if I hold them and comfort them while introducing the new item- but my ducks are very attached to me and my husband!

Very true, if the duck would be more stressed don’t do it!! But I know my ducks, and you know yours- so if you think one in your flock would allow you to do so then it may work out.