Getting them in the coop at night? Lost cause?

[SassyKat6181]

Ditto what everyone else said about feeding and routine. I pull the feeders in the morning when the flock goes out to range. At night, the light turns on in the coop for 2 hours. This is when I drop the feeders, fill waterers and give snacks. The chickens are great about going in on their own, but I still have to herd the ducks in. I make sure the coop is all set for dinner and go outside and say.....coop, coop, coop, and put my arms out to the side and herd everyone towards the door. It is especially helpful if I have put down some chopped lettuce. (seems to be their favorite)

 

[sheila3935]

all we have to do is say home and they go right for their house. The chickens if I need to put them up early is bedtime. They know those words. I also only feed them at night. During the day they range for bugs and grass. Try to peas I havent seen a duck yet that didnt like peas. Just found out the other day they love watermelon. The 5 ate 1/2 a watermelon in about 5 minutes.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

It may be that your ramp is too narrow. We had a ramp up to our pool, and they were just never comfortable going up it, and often slipped off the side, so they didn't like it. Maybe try a wider ramp, or even stairs?

And agree with the rest, feed at night. The only ducks that get food in the morning here are the young ones. The rest forage all day and are fed at night in pen.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Ours are fed at night inside, we use bamboo poles to help extend our arms reach for herding and conditioning new ducks to the evening round up.

 

[Totes Quackers]

When my quacker was smaller, he slept in the garage. Every evening he would waddle up to the backdoor at 5pm on the dot and wait for me to put him to 'bed'.. Now he sleeps under the chook coop (it's fully enclosed like a dog kennel and has bedding) and he goes off to bed when the chooks do. When I go out to shut the door for the night I 'quack' and he quacks back so I know he is in there! This is my first duck and I assumed they were like chooks and 'just knew' where to go at night.. it has been interesting to read all the comments on getting them to bed! Will keep it in mind when I get another duck... hehe.

 

[JP101010]

When Herding Them Its really helpful to use a Screen sliding door (long ways) as a herding panel . it works great to corner them. then its a quicker , less stressful catch and everyone can go about their night

Check Craigslist under the Materials section and the free section

Also good as herding panels : dog kennel bottom trays , Xpens , Fully Extended baby gate

I suppose you could frame out your own herding panel and use chicken wire or screening.

Other than that , you could split their daily amount of feed into 2 feedings one in the morning and the other at night to lure them into the coop.