Help ducks do not want to go outside without me!

[Kmdejesus116]

Hello! I have two ducks, one is 6 weeks and one is 7 weeks. I hatched them from an incubator. They have been with me since birth. They currently are in a clear large bin. I have been taking them outside since about 2/3 weeks old for outside/splash time (supervised). Now I am trying to get them used to being outside by themselves and they quack for me. They run behind me but I close the door and they quack by the door. My backyard is big, lots of grass, fully enclosed and their water and food is outside and a baby pool for them to play in. I feel bad when they quack for me. As soon as I open the door back up, they run to me to come inside. Will they ever get used to being outside by themselves? Are they sad because I left them outside? I watch them from my window and they literally are looking for me instead of enjoying their outside time.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
Give them time and they'll discover the joys of being outside...

 

[N F C]

Hi, sounds like your ducks have bonded well

I've never raised them (only chickens) but @rjohns39 has so if he says they'll get used to being outside on their own, I'd believe him!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!
A clear large bin doesn't sound like it is very big. Have you a coop ready for them yet?
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP

 

[MisaF]

I have the same problem with my single duckling who is now 5 weeks old. I can't be out of her sight or the screaming starts! I am getting her an adult duck friend and I am hoping that will help because she is just not on board with hanging out with the hens. My hens are super kind and accepting of her but she will literally run from them to me if she seems me walking away!

I am currently working from my back deck so I can hang with my duck. I need an intervention!

Following this thread to see if there are any awesome nuggets of info.

Hello! I have two ducks, one is 6 weeks and one is 7 weeks. I hatched them from an incubator. They have been with me since birth. They currently are in a clear large bin. I have been taking them outside since about 2/3 weeks old for outside/splash time (supervised). Now I am trying to get them used to being outside by themselves and they quack for me. They run behind me but I close the door and they quack by the door. My backyard is big, lots of grass, fully enclosed and their water and food is outside and a baby pool for them to play in. I feel bad when they quack for me. As soon as I open the door back up, they run to me to come inside. Will they ever get used to being outside by themselves? Are they sad because I left them outside? I watch them from my window and they literally are looking for me instead of enjoying their outside time.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

This is a useful link of BYC guides to take a look at - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/website-announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3/?prefix_id=3


You can use this link to contact members in your area - Find your State's thread.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[PirateGirl]

Sounds like you trained your duck to be used to you and now you've got to train it to get used to being without you.

First I would stop rewarding the quacking by opening the door and giving them what they want, Coming back in the house with you, this is just reinforcing the behavior you are trying to break. Tough love and ignoring them is the way forward.

 

[drumstick diva]

You can also post on the "Duck forum," and get advice from folks that really know them. I only know ducks are adorable.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[alexa009]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock! BYC is a helpful site providing all the information you need to know about poultry! Its sounds like you already got and earful of information about your ducks, so I guess I don't need to give you any suggestions. Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!