Help with peking ducks.I built them a habitat, but they refuse to sleep outside.

[MattFam5]

We have two baby peking ducks that are about 9 weeks old. We have kept them inside until this past weekend. The started out in a rather large plastic storage bin, then moved to the tub in my master bath because the storage bin was not roomy enough. We just finished thier outside habitat this past weekend-which they really love-except every night at about 7:30 they waddle thier way to my back door.today I even tried fencing them into thier habitat, I bought a spotlight for thier habitat too, hoping that they might not notice the lack of sunlight, but they sat there for hours(till after 10 pm) quaking and whimpering. It was pathetic and sad. I decided to bring my pekins in for tonight. I do need them to sleep outside. Does anyone know how to train them to sleep outside. They really think thier bed is my bathtub.

 

[V-NH]

Tough love might be necessary. Put them in their habitat and leave them there, they will get the picture. Mine have been outside since they were 4 weeks old and it did take about a week until they got used to being out there.

 

[Amiga]

Welcome to the Duck Forum!

How predator-proof is the outdoor setup? If they were able to walk from their habitat to the back door, unless that area is surrounded by sturdy fence on all sides and the top, they are at risk of death.

To get our ducks used to their outdoor shelter, I spent time with them in and around it for a few days. We had pea parties in the shelter. So they could associate good times with their new digs, and not be so afraid. I would not rush them out. Of course they're nervous about it. But they can transition pretty happily. Baby steps.

Can you tell us more about the setup?

 

[frank53061]

I know what the problem is they think there Peabody ducks you know the ones that get paraded to the Fountain in the Motel

Like AMIGA stated it will just take time for there adjustment to the new home.

good luck

 

[bwmichaud]

All winter long my ducks stayed outside and I wished they would go inside. You'd think that on a -20 degree day they would want to be inside and out of the wind but they just tucked their heads under their wings and stayed out there under a tree.

 

[Carcajou]

Ducks take time to transition to anything new and don't like abrupt changes. Mine are locked in a coop at night. It is paramount that they be locked inside something or they will eventually be lost to predators. Treat parties like Amiga said are a good way to get them used to their new area.

Good luck!