Help with bonding

[btrask]

Our Magpies are 5 weeks old and similar. Most days that are warm enough to be outside they are out. I try to get them to follow me out or herd them back in but it is a chore. They get about 5 minutes of choice to follow/let me herd them before they get picked up, which they hate. I make sure to talk to them every time the brooder is passed. They will be within a couple feet of me whenever I am in the backyard, but not like a puppy. Once they comply with getting in the duck run or brooder they get mealworms as a treat. Just figure time will tell.

 

[Lonnieandjess]

Our Magpies are 5 weeks old and similar. Most days that are warm enough to be outside they are out. I try to get them to follow me out or herd them back in but it is a chore. They get about 5 minutes of choice to follow/let me herd them before they get picked up, which they hate. I make sure to talk to them every time the brooder is passed. They will be within a couple feet of me whenever I am in the backyard, but not like a puppy. Once they comply with getting in the duck run or brooder they get mealworms as a treat. Just figure time will tell.

That‘s how ours are.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They learn pretty quick if you’ll stick with it. I can pick up my mop handle I use for herding and mine jump right up ready to march. Once they understand what that pole means they will herd for you. Practice makes perfect.

 

[Jaeden0720]

Hey there,

You could actually train them, that's what I did with my ducklings and now they follow me. I would let them outside and make sure there isn't any other food in sight for them to become distracted. I would put food/treats in my hand and let them eat it, then you have to let them watch you put more food in your hand. Then, close your hand and shake it by your side/hips and walk away from a short distance, (if they don't follow you right away it's normal, that why you are training them.) Once they are close to you open your hand and let them see the food/treats and let them eat it. Repeat the exercise every day until they follow you if you shake your hand by your side. So whenever you need your Magpies to go to their coop just shake your hand by your side and have them follow you to the coop. However, you shouldn't fake the shaking hand motion if you don't plan on rewarding them, too much or else they won't follow you again. It is important to do this exercise regularly so they can remember what to do.

Sincerely,

Jaeden Wang