Feeling guilt about locking ducks up all day

[thumper650]

Hi everyone!
I've had the luxury of not working in the Summer for the last 8 years. I have an interview for a better full time job (now I have a very flexible full time job) but I'm worried about my quackers.
Does anyone else leave their ducks in their secure run all week? My 2 pekin and 2 runners live in a 8x12 run with a 4x8 house attached. My other three live in their 5x10 run, with a 4x8 house attached.
I'm wondering I'd be cruel to expect them to stay in there more. I let them out into their yard when I'm home. They don't seem to mind their runs, because it's full food, but they like to escape every morning. I could make some daytime predator proof area for them I suppose.
If anyone has any insight, like what they do, let me know!
Thanks!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Similar job related issues here, so following this thread…

 

[Duckworth]

I think they will be fine in their runs.

 

[Miss Lydia]

One thing for sure they will be safe In their run. And fine too!

 

[chickens really]

Mine definitely don't get out every day here and winter is even worse. They do just fine. They are birds and adjust fine.

 

[Texag87]

Just explain to them how expensive mealworms are and they will understand.

 

[Bookworm0124]

I've done it before. I left them in all day until I got home. Sure they'd have been happier out all day, but they were safer in.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Safer is better!

 

[Runner duck mom]

We have an 8x12 covered run with a 4x5 house attached and a small pool for 4 runners during the day. We let them out every afternoon when we get home from work to roam the yard while we sit with them and clean their pool, water and run. They have a 4x12 coop in our garage to sleep in at night for a change of scenery as well.
They seem happy and look forward to their outings each day.
It may take some time but they should get used to their new routine and they will be happy to have extra time out on weekends when you are home.
You will feel so much better knowing they are safe during the day

 

[Duckie doodle]

I keep my ducks in thier coop during day when at work. It makes me feel better knowing they are safe, plus my flock has mastered how to go under thier fenced in yard so I feel better when I can keep an eye on them.