How do I make new runner ducks follow me?

[start living]

So today, they followed me around in the polytunnel and made loud noises until I fed them. I thought that was the time to finally let them out of the polytunnel as they learned that they get fodder from me. When I let them out they just went for the pond and stayed in one spot. They don't react to me anymore, so I can't put them back in the polytunnel. The pond is so big, that I can't reach them.

That's exactly what I didn't want to happen... Well, I gues I have to wait until they are hungry again. If they are smart enough they will spent the night in the pond, where they should be safe, I hope.
Those ducks have their own logic...

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hope they are all still alive in the morning

 

[start living]

Yes, they are fine. I also checked during the night and they were sleeping in the middle of the pond. They might be weird, but at least they're not stupid.

Today they were coming towords me for fodder, but I couldn't get them to leave the pond. They have been in there for two days now. It just takes time for them to get used to their new surroundings...can't do much more than wait until they are ready, I guess.

 

[start living]

I still can't get them out and it's one week now since they're in the pond. They come to me for fodder, but never leave the pond when I'm around. Only when I walk away do they get out and eat the fodder that I put on the bank. No improvements there.

Now, I place a bowl on the bank and put fodder inside every day when it gets dark. I want to move the bowl every day a little bit nearer to the greenhouse until I place it inside. Is that a good plan? I don't know what else I could do ... it's pretty frustrating.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What is that they are standing next to and is that ground they are standing on? Hard to figure it out I am happy they are safe and sound. I'd at least give that plan a try.

 

[start living]

What is that they are standing next to and is that ground they are standing on? Hard to figure it out I am happy they are safe and sound. I'd at least give that plan a try.

The pond is covered with Azolla, a floating plant that serves as fodder. This is an experiment, I will write more about that later on. The ducks are standing on gravel just below the water at the sides of the pond. Yesterday I made them come out of the pond for the first time.
I probably just need to be more patient, that's all

Thanks for your help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think your right and Runners always need more time. Keep us updated.

 

[start living]

Ok, now it finally worked! They were coming after the wheat grains, so I kind of layed a trace into the greenhouse. I will just keep doing it like that until it becomes a habit.

Or what exactly do I have to do that they hop in just when I open the door?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have a nice bowl of it sitting on the floor inside that they can see, once in close the door. Just go about it slow like you have been doing. Your doing great!!!

 

[Duck Hill]

Keep your trail into the greenhouse growing further in each day. Be patient until they are waaayyyy down into the green house. Then you can appear and close the door.

I have had issues with my ducks not leaving my pond. So far, I have closed off the pond from them. But I have been thinking... what if I had a toy remote-controlled fast boat? I bet I could chase them out of my pond! Especially if it had a sail or something flappy.