I purchased 4 month old ducks (1 drake 2 ducks) a week ago they have always been a little scared of me. They had always been free range ducks and put in a small pen with several other ducks. I sat with them and feed them mealworms for a treat when I am with them. They refuse to eat anything except the mealworms for the week in the house. I let them out yesterday, they enjoyed eating bugs and after a while settled down and took a nap. First problem: I tried to guide them towards our pond only 100 feet from the duck house and they would have nothing to do with it. Second problem: and biggest when I tried to guide them toward the duck house they wouldn't go. It took almost three hours in a rain storm before I could catch one and finely the other followed after one was in the house. Any help would be appreciated.
Well they actually need a run too and not just a house..Plus herding Ducks is like herding Cats. Definitely is a trained behaviour. Time and consistancy is the best approach.
One of the tricks to herding is walking slow and guiding with either out stretched arms or a pole. Even having someone help you the first week can make it better. Once the ducks know what your wanting them to do and learn the routine they will be easier to get inside. Def. having a pen even if temp for a while will help once you get them inside give them some mealworms as a reward. And only after they go in so that also gives them incentive to come home.