Help ducks do not want to go outside without me!

[Dandy's mom]

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.

Hello, and welcome to the world of Bougie indoor ducks! LOL! My Dandy is over 4 months old now and I have the same issue. She won't even go outside if I go. She stands at the door (inside of course) and quacks loudly at me. Like she's letting me know I walked off without her. If I call her from the front porch, she turns around and waddles as fast as her fluffy tush will go, all the way into the laundry room and into her box. She won't come out unless I go get her and carry her outside (protesting the whole way) or if I close and lock the door she comes back into the living room. So I bring her outside daily and sit in the grass near her pool for a bit every day to get her used to it. I think she's coming around. At least now she'll stand and walk around in the grass. Before she wouldn't leave my lap. You might make sure there's nothing flying around. Ducks are very aware of predators and get frightened easily. I've also noticed that if our table is out, she'll stand in the yard more willingly under that table. So either persistence or shelter. You can try both. But it's gonna take time. Like taking your kids to school the first day. They cry when you leave em but figure it out eventually. Just make sure it's not a justified fear.

 

[CayugaJana]

They are herd animals as well as prey. Their instinct is security in numbers and you are their Mother. So they want to be with you. But as long as they are safe, don’t feel bad about leaving them!

 

[Dandy's mom]

They are herd animals as well as prey. Their instinct is security in numbers and you are their Mother. So they want to be with you. But as long as they are safe, don’t feel bad about leaving them!

Ok, I agree with all of the part but the don't feel bad part LOL. It's easier said than done. They make you feel so guilty!

 

[CayugaJana]

Ok, I agree with all of the part but the don't feel bad part LOL. It's easier said than done. They make you feel so guilty!

I know.... how about try not to feel bad because you aren’t hurting or damaging them in any way. Even when those cute peeps are calling for you.

 

[Kmdejesus116]

Make sure they have safe places out there it can really be scary outside when young and being away from mama. Safe places like being able to hide under bushes or a picnic table some where they will feel safe and secure. They sure are pretty.

I have a picnic table outside. They prefer to hang out by the side of my house and play under a leaky water tube. They get all mudy. It’s pretty funny. They now are enjoying outside time. I just left them like everyone suggested. They swim in their pool and roam around eating grass. They loved it so much, that it was a hassle to get them inside for bed.

 

[Kmdejesus116]

I don’t feel like they were scared of any predators. They were legit just wanting to be around me. Now they enjoy being outside and do not want to come back in. They are funny animals.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's awesome they are now so comfortable being outside they don't want to come inside for bed. Looks like your either going to have to go buy a bigger bin or get busy and build their house. Just remember predators will work hard to get to your ducks so make your coop as secure as possible. Hardware cloth is our best means of protection. Congrats to getting them over that first hurdle.

 

[Kmdejesus116]

That's awesome they are now so comfortable being outside they don't want to come inside for bed. Looks like your either going to have to go buy a bigger bin or get busy and build their house. Just remember predators will work hard to get to your ducks so make your coop as secure as possible. Hardware cloth is our best means of protection. Congrats to getting them over that first hurdle.

Thanks. I have another question. In between us not having a coop yet to when we build ours, what happens when it rains. Our ducks do not seem to mind. They either stay swimming in their pool or walk around eating grass. Is that ok? I opened the door to let them in but they wanted to stay outside.

 

[Miss Lydia]

6-7 weeks old are they fully feathered? and is it warm? your talking about during the day right? you surely don't want to leave them out after dark.

 

[TSOWOATNKC]

Don’t forget the ducks dabbling holes everywhere in the yard! I think their plan is to get me on the ground by tripping/falling so they can descend like wolves and eat me.