Ducks stay under porch all day

[Tuftul]

Hello, first time duck owner here. I've learned so much from this site. Thank you!
I have 2 ducks Tuffy (crested cayuga..ie. Tuft and male) and Tulley (rouen/mallard?..female..very much the boss)
We finished their duck house a week ago. I had them inside that for a full week. The plan is to let them free range my fenced in backyard during the day and go in at night.
When I open the door in the morning they go straight under the porch and stay there all day unless someone is outside with them. This has happened for 3 days now. Is there a way to make them feel more comfortable/ confident outside by themselves?
I hate for them to be scared all day every day..

Thanks!

 

[Lil Drake40]

What a sweet home you made for them. Do you have a lot of trees fr safety shrubs to hide in under if needed?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Love the duck house. It might just take them awhile to feel more comfortable. You could block under it so they don't go under.

 

[Tuftul]

No, we don't have any shrubs and its wooded just about all around. I would hate to take away some of their only cover because I do worry about hawks. I was hoping they would just get confident with time. So glad to hear that may be the case...

 

[thumper650]

My pekins tend to sleep under stuff, your ducks may be hiding from hawks, or maybe they just want shade, it's super hot here in the northeast. If they like being around you that's a good sign.

 

[ChickenRelatedUserName]

Can you build a structure or two that will provide some shade and cover from hawks without making your yard look like a red neck paradise? My flock spends most of their time under the shade/cover of a large snowball bush. In the early morning and late afternoon they tend to roam more. I really like your duck house and pond.

 

[chickens really]

Hello..You are right, in time they will get confident to roam around the yard without you. Give them a kiddie pool or water bowls and treats to coax them out while you watch them from the house..

 

[harmonymw]

Any changes today?