Help!!

[nannychachi]

Our ducks are allowed to free range the yard and creek. We built them a new winter house yesterday and spent $300 on a dog kennel to go around the duck house so they would be safe at night. The only time we've locked them up before was up until they were feathered. Last night we herded them into the kennel. Tonight I couldn't get them out of the creek for love nor money. I left the light on in their house and it's dark everywhere else, but they still won't go in. How do I retain them to go into the pen at night? I left their food out all day yesterday so they could eat whenever they wanted. Should I start feeding them just twice a day so they are hungry and go in?

 

[chickluvinfreak]

Try taking some cracked corn, meal worms or any other special treat and putting it in a tin can. Go out a few times a day and shake the can a lot then feed your ducks the treats. Eventually they should start running to you when they hear the can shaking. Than when you want to put them in at night you just shake the can, throw the treats in the kennel and lock the ducks up.

Most poultry should be fed free choice so I wouldn't restrict their food to only twice a day. It would be best to keep their food in the kennel all day so they are always going in and out to eat. It should help them feel more comfortable going inside.

 

[Amiga]

Do they have a treat they are crazy about? I would use that. As you know, it's best for them to be secured, especially at night.

And it may be best to only feed them in the enclosure.

 

[nannychachi]

Try taking some cracked corn, meal worms or any other special treat and putting it in a tin can. Go out a few times a day and shake the can a lot then feed your ducks the treats. Eventually they should start running to you when they hear the can shaking. Than when you want to put them in at night you just shake the can, throw the treats in the kennel and lock the ducks up.

What a smart idea! Thank you!

 

[chickluvinfreak]

What a smart idea! Thank you!

Your welcome and good luck

 

[nannychachi]

Do they have a treat they are crazy about?  I would use that.  As you know, it's best for them to be secured, especially at night.

And it may be best to only feed them in the enclosure.

I am going to buy mealworms tomorrow. Thank you!

 

[Percheron chick]

Frozen peas.

 

[Lilki]

Mine go BSC for mealworms. For some reason They've not caught on to the fact that they're supposed to like peas. Also if I wait too late to get mine in they dig in and refuse to move. I have to get them in well before dark/ dusk.

 

[Amiga]

Mine go BSC for mealworms. For some reason They've not caught on to the fact that they're supposed to like peas. Also if I wait too late to get mine in they dig in and refuse to move. I have to get them in well before dark/ dusk.

I was trying and trying to think of which store you were referring to.

 

[nannychachi]

I was trying and trying to think of which store you were referring to. 

Made me LOL!!