Getting ducks into pen without the chase game?

[CrystaBub]

Like others have said, I used the same words since they were a week old to let them know it was time for bed. I said 'night night' lol - so original i know When they got older and didn't want to come in, I started tempting them with meal worms, always in the same bowl - so they started coming in if I just showed them that bowl. Now they come to their night house by themselves and go inside and wait for their meal worms (and I started adding peas). I sprinkle them in a water bowl so they can wash them down - then lights out! My new duck even caught on to this routine really quick - she always hungry!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I like to enlist my children to herd them. When you have to decide between outstretched arms of toddlers and a duck pen, the latter seems to win out. Easy solution: have multiple children.

Mine are too old for that. I would have to go wrangle one away from his own home and the other is a college student. There is no getting that one to help out. Easier to herd ducks.

 

[rachelsflock]

I have a good older khaki duck and drake. It took a fox to train them. The rest of the ducks follow. All I have to do is say, "go to bed, ducks!" and shine a flashlight out there and the old khaki drake and duck lead the charge from the far reaches of the yard sometimes even around me to the coop. (except for my cognitive impaired duck that I have to carry in because she can't seem to not run into everything in a hormonal rage right now)

Other ducks I've had, I had to take a old metal broom stick with a loop for wall hanging that I attach a rag to the end, then I herd them in. I had to pen them at first until they get the hang of it in order to avoid running through my swamp in the dark getting eaten by mosquitoes and running through spider webs. Sometimes mallard species breed ducks are not fun and kind of dumb, but they do train up eventually. Sometimes it takes a while.

My muscovies usually behave and may even go in before I come out unless the drakes are having a spat. Then no one wants in.

Keep trying and do give up. Don't let those duck bums win!

 

[harmonymw]

Mine are too old for that. I would have to go wrangle one away from his own home and the other is a college student. There is no getting that one to help out. Easier to herd ducks.

So inconsiderate of them to grow up.

 

[Folly's place]

Temple Grandin is an expert on herd management; I'm reading her latest book on the subject, and wonder if these methods would also work with a flock of ducks. Look her up!
I found her book at TSC, by the way, and it's terrific!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

The gentleman with the ducks is moving slowly, minimal pressure, duckies walking. That's it! Impressive!
Mary

 

[Miss Lydia]

Really they herd very well once they realize what your trying to get them to do.

 

[WickedChicksNH]

If this dude can do it with hundreds of ducks, you can surely do it with a handful.

you would think 4 duck wouldn't be a chore after seeing this video, lol There is another video out there with runner ducks that work for a winery, they let hundreds of them out during the day, the run down the street together, do their job taking care of bugs for the day then back home

 

[WickedChicksNH]

Really they herd very well once they realize what your trying to get them to do.

you are so correct, 3 of them are not too hard to get but Pippa one of my Swedish, he's a determined one. he actually weaves his head to the side when you go to get him, head one way body the other like a boxer lol. tuck himself behind things.

Once I manage to pick them up I make sure i talk to them and pat them, hoping that will help

 

[WickedChicksNH]

I like to enlist my children to herd them. When you have to decide between outstretched arms of toddlers and a duck pen, the latter seems to win out. Easy solution: have multiple children.

I would enlist my kids, however all 5 of them are grown and don't live near my house rofl