Eeek….tomorrow is the day!

[sbolerjack]

So we have had the ducks in the coop for a week and it’s time tomorrow to introduce them to the pond. I’m scared and praying I get them back in tomorrow afternoon. I have 10, and they are just over seven weeks old. I have babied them since they were three days old, but they are still skittish and avoid me unless being fed. So do i introduce them one by one to the pond, or try to herd them all down together? The pond is about 40 ft from the coop.

 

[CFLRanching]

I am not a duck owner personally but there is a guy up the road that has them. His pond is about 20 ft in front of the coop. There is nothing to keep them from leaving. And his are always there. I think ducks are like any other domesticated fowl. They know where their food source is. So chances are they'll stay. And i think as long as they've had swim lessons prior to your turn out day (like in little pools) they should be fine. You might be able to lead them to the pond with food. Or just turn them out and let them explore on their own (since they're so young just beware of raptors that might be near). But again i'm not a duck owner. But if it were me, that's what I would try. And maybe just do a few hours @ a time to start then build up to longer time frames. Good luck with your ducks.

 

[BelovedBirds]

So we have had the ducks in the coop for a week and it’s time tomorrow to introduce them to the pond. I’m scared and praying I get them back in tomorrow afternoon. I have 10, and they are just over seven weeks old. I have babied them since they were three days old, but they are still skittish and avoid me unless being fed. So do i introduce them one by one to the pond, or try to herd them all down together? The pond is about 40 ft from the coop.

7 weeks is pretty young, are you going to supervising them? How big is the pond?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have you checked your pond for snapping turtles? they are a big predator in a pond setting. Also make sure to only feed them at their coop so in the afternoon when it's time for them to come up to their coop they know where their food is. You might want to train them by starting out offering something like dried mealworms at their coop as an incentive to follow you home. If you have a pen around your coop it will be much easier once they go into the pen just close the gate. But I'd start training them with a treat put it into something with a lid so you can shake it and either whistle or use words like here ducks Something they get used to hearing so they know when they come they will get a treat. When I want mine to come down out of their upper fenced area I use a coffee can with a lid put the treat in and start whistling and shaking the can. Mine know exactly what this means and come running.
7 weeks is still very young so keep a good eye on them they will be learning about the great out of doors and predators will always be around.

 

[sbolerjack]

7 weeks is pretty young, are you going to supervising them? How big is the pond?

Yes. Supervision is a must. Our pond is 2.5 acres right by our house. I wanted to “test the waters” so to speak and let them out for a couple of hours. I think I have changed my mind and will wait another week though. It’s supposed to rain all weekend.

 

[sbolerjack]

Have you checked your pond for snapping turtles? they are a big predator in a pond setting. Also make sure to only feed them at their coop so in the afternoon when it's time for them to come up to their coop they know where their food is. You might want to train them by starting out offering something like dried mealworms at their coop as an incentive to follow you home. If you have a pen around your coop it will be much easier once they go into the pen just close the gate. But I'd start training them with a treat put it into something with a lid so you can shake it and either whistle or use words like here ducks Something they get used to hearing so they know when they come they will get a treat. When I want mine to come down out of their upper fenced area I use a coffee can with a lid put the treat in and start whistling and shaking the can. Mine know exactly what this means and come running.
7 weeks is still very young so keep a good eye on them they will be learning about the great out of doors and predators will always be around.

Thanks for your info. I think I will wait another week or so since it’s supposed to rain this weekend. I will start training with treats. Also, we have maybe 3-4 small turtles, no snappers.

 

[Luv Ducks]

What type of ducks are they? The Mallards that I sold a lady after she kept them in the coop for a while all flew away when let go to the pond. They were over 6 weeks old and fully feathered. Since you might have had yours since day one I would think they would want to stay around. Good luck with your decision. I hope they stay safe and it works out well for you.

 

[sbolerjack]

What type of ducks are they? The Mallards that I sold a lady after she kept them in the coop for a while all flew away when let go to the pond. They were over 6 weeks old and fully feathered. Since you might have had yours since day one I would think they would want to stay around. Good luck with your decision. I hope they stay safe and it works out well for you.

Thank you! I have 10 assorted…1 Pekin, 1 Muscovy, 4 Rouens, 3 fawn/white runners, and 1 khaki Campbell.

 

[Luv Ducks]

Thank you! I have 10 assorted…1 Pekin, 1 Muscovy, 4 Rouens, 3 fawn/white runners, and 1 khaki Campbell.

You are most welcome.

 

[Luv Ducks]

You are most welcome.

Luckily with your assortment the only ones I can see that will ever even be able to fly with any distance with be the Khaki Campbell and the Muscovy. Since the rest are not good fliers or can't fly then those two will more than likely stay with their flock.