Feeling guilt about locking ducks up all day

[LilyLoo]

For safety reasons I have had to lock up my 2 girls 3-4 times a week while at work this past year. Its a nice sized storage/ laundry room. I felt bad, so I go all out and try to bring some outside inside for them. I give them a mud tub, a few hand fulls of leaves, grasses and flowers on top of clean pine shavings. They also have food, fruit and veggies. Not only are they safe but they are happy. On my days off while they are free they throw a fit and want back in their room for a nap time lol. I think they are happy because they are safe. I think your ducks will be just fine.

 

[AquaDuck]

Have the same feeling when I have to lock them up several days in a row...

You could look into furnishing your run and adding enrichment. Dunno if "regular" ducks (as opposed to muscovies) like platforms and ladders, but that would expand their space. Kale hung from a rope, grazing frames, hay nets... Anything that will keep them occupied for hours.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

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

They will tell you to buy cat-food instead!

 

[thumper650]

They will tell you to buy cat-food instead!

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

i love these comments, I tried to show them my back statements, but they didn’t seem to care!

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

This thread is making me feel a lot better about my own situation. My ducks stay in the barn (with plenty of windows and ventilation) when both my husband and I are at work. The first person to get home lets them out to free range. For daytime outings or when we can’t babysit, they have a 16’ x 16’ “duckio”. I do still feel bad during the winter when we are at work during all daylight hours. Then again, they don’t like to roam much when they’re cold.

 

[LilyLoo]

Have the same feeling when I have to lock them up several days in a row...

You could look into furnishing your run and adding enrichment. Dunno if "regular" ducks (as opposed to muscovies) like platforms and ladders, but that would expand their space. Kale hung from a rope, grazing frames, hay nets... Anything that will keep them occupied for hours.

Those are some great ideas thanks for sharing. I tried grass trays and they didn't care lol. But hanging edible plants would be awesome past times for them. They do have 2 nice big sunny windows and cool air while they lounge in their small pool and sling mud on the walls..lol I was planning on painting a pond murral on one wall but Loo doesn't like change, it might upset her lol