Free ranging question

[wildsam]

My ducklings are 4 weeks old and really growing fast (besides 2) and I'm planning on putting them outside permanently to free range maybe next weekend.

Now my question to some of the more seasoned duck owners:
How do I get my free ranging Quakers to stay in the vicinity and come back for I can herd em in their house and lock them up for the nite?

Right now when I do have them out I got a circle of chicken wire fencing around them and put mesh over the top against any predators (don't wanna loose any of my buggers!). Yet I don't really wanna have to fence them in other than when I'm at work.

I know I'm a bit protective but anyone who loves their birdies wants ALL of them to be staying on your land and not accidentally running thru the woods onto the highway, right?!?

 

[Going Quackers]

While i free range my ducks no way would i allow 4-5wk ducklings to wander without a mama to guard them or get them back to the barn.

My birds have learned through all the birds before them(including mama ducks), yes, i realize but what about when i started lol, well.. concentrated areas help a lot i keep pools, feed and water in the fenced area which surrounds the barn, that helps bring 'em home. All of mine know how to herd too, they can be brought in from quite a distance if i need too but most of the time they return on their own, i lock the gate before dusk and then later at almost dark lock them into the barn.

Free ranging of coarse is risky, they may wander off, predators may get them, they also could get into things that you wouldn't expect.

 

[wildsam]

Thanks. Was just trying to say I'm planning on start housing them outside next week, not letting them loose on our property. Lol. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

So how did you get your first ones to come back when free ranging the first few times? And how old were they at the time?

Didn't have any mama ducks to learn from, just searching and reading whatever I can find. Like lots of posts here which helps a lot. So any hints and pointers are highly appreciated.

Oh and about how tall do Pekins get? Trying to figure out how big to make the door for their house and I can only find weight classes

 

[Nebraskagirl]

I have a Welsh Harlequin female and her two babies we hatched from an incubator. Our ducks have always stayed pretty close to the house. They DO wander, and we have a dirt road close by, so there is always that risk. I just try to keep an eye on them and if I leave the property, I pen them in their fenced in enclosure. That way they are outside but protected. You can't control them ALL the time.
I herd them, but getting them in is just repetition and they learn from it. The young ones picked up on it fairly quickly. They know where to go and just fall in line. Just do it over and over and pretty soon they will learn to come in.

 

[Going Quackers]

Gotcha! wasn't sure, yes, definitely wait till their older young are naturally curious and some can get way ahead of themselves.

Honestly the first group, just stayed around the barn then gradually moved further as time and their own confidence expanded. As i said key areas to draw them back are extremely important, the feed, water and bathing areas make a great ... we return here encouragement.

Several months old, my turning 12wk olds are just now expanding the area they cover, i see them making their way to the horses paddock a spot they didn't really explore before... that said they have an entire flock to be around, so that makes a difference, the mama is sometimes out with them even though she pretty much dropped them by 4wks.

Peas or other really fond of treats can help draw them in too, you could practice with them on herding, a stick or a broom is good or your arms lol

As for door size, hmm i have a full size door, you'll need it roomy Pekin are big, i am not sure how tall one is.. i could measure my drakes that are Muscovy today maybe that can help? lol

 

[ducklover87]

My Pekins are probably a foot and a half tall, just a rough estimate. I've never measured them before and the only door they use is a full size door.

 

[Going Quackers]

Well i sorta measured as they had a freak out when i brought a wood measuring stick out lol Easily over 25 inches with the head/neck fully extended now yes they can duck(hee hee) i have an old doghouse in their penned area that they go in but this was for a HUGE dog, well over 80lbs, i could measure it's opening for you too, that will be easier than the ducks lol

 

[wildsam]

Thanks guys. That already helps a lot.
Started giving them some peas and make them work for it when I put my hand close.

Lol. And who'd have thunk that my quiet one (Gunter cuz I think it's a drake) always goes for it first and my screaming Susie is always last! While of course Ms Lola is running her circle first before nipping me when I don't give them to her as quick as she wants them. They're too funny!
Oh, and Susie is almost all white now! SOOO excited to see them grow like weeds!!!

 

[Going Quackers]

Personalities really start to come out as they age! sounds comical, you should post some pics!

 

[wildsam]

Personalities really start to come out as they age! sounds comical, you should post some pics!

Will try to do that this weekend. Yea they're just too funny to watch, so much more entertaining than chickens (I think, no offense to all those chicken owners!)