Free ranging my ducks

[Tyler0202]

Hello everyone and thank you for the advice ahead of time. I have 3 ducks and they are in a nice pen in my yard but id like them to leave there pen every once in awhile and get some free ranging exercise. How can I train them to leave the pen and return back to it? any ideas or tips? My chickens will return with no problems but I am nervous my ducks will not return to there pen.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Tyler0202 How old are your ducks? if they come out of the pen is there more fencing to keep them from wandering to far? not roads they can get onto and possibly get hit by a vehicle? Ducks herd really well so start training them by walking slowly behind them you can use poles or your arms to guide them where you want them to go. Mine are so use to going into their houses they just do it automatically so they are fast learners and like repetition . It just takes time, always keep their feed and water at their house so they know that is where they eat and drink also. Once they go into eat in the evenings close the pen door. Another trick I have is getting them to do things is I fill a coffee can with meal worms and start whistling shaking the can they start running towards me because they know they are going to get a tasty snack then inside they go. In other words give the treat inside the pen area.

 

[sourland]

Free range them 'hungry', and have feed waiting in the pen when they return. Train them with a whistle, call, some sound when you feed them. Once they associate that sound with feed, they will respond as you desire.

 

[GratitudeGates]

I have four ducks one male 3 female and they have a great home and range free in our fenced yard eating bugs and just explore all day then about 5 I make a snack of banana or blueberries or meal worms and they come running into their pen. I am finding that ritual timing of things help one could set a watch by how loud they get when it is time for bed. They are so fun hope you are enjoying their antics. And they do not like a lot of change in their area I found out when adding a tarp for rain LOL...it took me forever to get them in their pen that night but since then no problem.

 

[Tyler0202]

3 females all about 2-3 years of age. Yes I have them knowing that a small tin is there treats so maybe I’ll shake that a bit and see if they come back

 

[chickens really]

I carry a long stick and herd them in saying bedtime and soon all you say is bedtime and they waddle back into the pen each and every time...
Feathered Puppies and smart too...

 

[lol456]

It is still there?

 

[Miss Lydia]

What is still there? @lol456

 

[CarleeAnn]

Routine, routine, routine!! You’ll probably have to guide them back for awhile but if you do it at the same time every night they’ll start to do it themselves! Yesterday I had a friend over and so I was late putting my girls to bed, my friend went to the backyard to get a lawn chair and told us “I think your ducks are ready for bed”

Sure enough, my girls were already walking to their coop and by the time I went back there they were inside and ready for me to shut the door.

 

[lol456]

I want a duck for free and where is the location?