Ducks won't go to bed?!

[Pea Wench]

I have had my little guys since August and at the house we were living at despite being free range they would put themselves to bed every night usually just whenever it got dark out. We just moved and while it is much quieter (maybe less scary) the yard is the same size and they have a similar setup. But now they won't put themselves to bed. I have to go out at 9 pm or later everynight and herd them into the coop! Are they just enjoying the cool night air? They don't seem to even like their coop anymore!
Including obligatory photo of the little ones

 

[sourland]

All fowl hate change. They are still adapting to their new home.

 

[3bird]

Welcome to BYC! As @sourland said, they do hate change. We work hard to establish a routine because as much as they hate change, they love a routine. Our mornings and evenings are VERY predictable. Free ranging ends with the call for "soup for ducks" (peas, greens and mealworm crumble), fresh grain in the run and a "flock party" mealworm snack in the duckhouse. They get very excited for each stage and move from free range to pasture to run to duckhouse with very little encouragement.

Personally, I would be worried about them staying out until 9pm or later due to predators unless they have a predator proof run. Our run is predator proof, so we generally don't lock them into the duckhouse. This time of year, they prefer to be in the run all night (although they will go up into the duckhouse early in the am to lay), so I suspect your guys may also be enjoying the cool night air ;-)

 

[davez]

I second the predator risk. If you leave them out after sunset - you may be running a big risk of a predator getting them. (Speaking from experience with an owl.)

 

[Pea Wench]

Thank you all. I think honestly they are really enjoying the new yard because their coop is the same and if they were scared I am sure they'd be huddled inside it. We don't leave them out after dark most of the time, but at our new house they sit by our glass door and I don't mind them staying up when I can keep an eye on them. Routine has been difficult what with a new house and new very unpredictable job. I am not new to running out and fighting off a hawk or owl so if I hear concerned quacking I can run on out.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

i give mine peas in their coop at night, I don’t need to to get them in at this point, but it is routine and I am sure if I stopped they would become less cooperative. If I get home late I find them inside wondering where the heck their peas are! Mine will do anything for peas... makes them as easy as my Lab, who will do anything for food...or dirt that smells like food...or deer poop that used to be grass...