Going to bed at night

[Mtnboomer]

How do you train ducks to go into their house at night? Our chickens are free range snd we intend to allow our ducks to do the same once they are big enough. We have no shortage of predators here, from bears to bobcats, and so far we have only lost 1 rooster to a predator (middle of the day fox). My coop is elevated and extensively protected and it has withstood regular attempts by bears, raccoons, etc to raid it at night. I'm confident my low to the ground duck house will do the same, but what is the best way to get the ducks to go inside on their own?

 

[Texag87]

Mealworms

 

[11mini]

I had to put mine inside every night for several weeks but they eventually figured out it was nicer to sleep in the coop.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

You can try treats, you can establish a routine - my ducks are being herded inside at sunset, but ducks are not chickens. They all have their own mind, my lame drake Limpy for example would sleep in the kiddy-pool would i not get him out at night. And i mean: "get him out" physically. I have to grab him and bring him to the duck house, he won't go in voluntarily.
They are just ducks! Stubborn and full of crazy ideas.

 

[Hunters Hen's]

Ducks love routine. I would get peas and throw some on the ground outside their duck house and also up their ramp. After a few nights they just started to make their way over to their house at dusk and up the ramp even without the peas. Mine really don't like being outside when it starts to get dark. Good luck!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ducks love routine. I would get peas and throw some on the ground outside their duck house and also up their ramp. After a few nights they just started to make their way over to their house at dusk and up the ramp even without the peas. Mine really don't like being outside when it starts to get dark. Good luck!

Agree routine is the key and they learn quick if we stay consistent.

 

[sylviethecochin]

I just don't feed mine until I want to lock them in the coop. They learn quickly.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Put mine up at the same time every day and feed and water them. If I am late they put themselves up and fuss at me. Routine and treats. Takes about a week.

 

[PirateGirl]

Ducks like to party after dark and will if you give them the opportunity. They may learn to put themselves to bed, but if you don't lock the door behind them they will come back out to continue the party.

 

[Mtnboomer]

We love animals with personality which is why we want to keep them safe. Any bird nesting on ground at night that is not in the house will not last long. Thank you for the advice! We will definitely try the treats a d routine when the time comes.