How long to keep runner ducks locked up before free ranging?

[Crazy Maizie]

About 2 weeks ago I got 2 runner ducks around 5 months old. They came from a farm where most likely they had little human interaction. A week ago I made the mistake of letting them out of the run. They followed the muscovy to the flower bed and then to the corn field. I thought that I should guide them away from the field so they didn't go in. Even though I went around, they still saw me and went straight into the corn field. I tried to get them to come out, but they went further in. So, I came out hoping they would come out if I left the area. I also had my chickens and ducks out that free range but they only venture into the edge of the field. I needed to finish my chores and get them all back in as it was late afternoon and close to evening.

About 45 min after they went in, one duck popped out quacking. The other one never did. Well, I did go into the corn field pretty deep looking at an area where there was a patch of weeds. I found a pile of fresh feathers. No blood, but I assume something found the duck and took off with it. We have seen a fox on the camera in the very early morning hours and months ago I lost a muscovy to a fox when I locked them up too late.

So, my one runner duck kept quacking and just laying by herself. She was in the chicken run and she hadn't bonded with any of my muscovy at this point. She had just come to a new home and lost her only duck friend. I scoured fb and craigslist for a runner or even another mallard derived duck (another quacker she could quack with). I found some runner ducks about the same age and they all became bffs instantly.

My plan is to wait until the fall harvest before releasing the runners into the yard again. At least this way I can see them and herd them back if necessary. This would be at least 2 months from now.
My new runners were around people and are a little more comfortable with my presence. I would like for them to go out sooner, but unless I invest in a mini run or a tractor my options are limited and I don't want them going into the field again. I have researched an electric poultry fence, but cannot convince my husband that it's a great investment.
I've been able to get chickens out of the corn field, but I'm scared to try with the runner ducks again. The muscovy were raised here, so they never go too far. The chickens and muscovy know all about mealworms - but the runners aren't trained yet, though I'm slowly earning their trust. The answer is probably just to give them time, but I want them to get out and explore our yard and flower gardens - just not to get lost in the corn field.

Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Fencing is the only way. I'm sorry you lost your other Runner. Cornfields along with woods etc are great places for predators to hid out just waiting.

If your going to let them out to explore the best thing other than fencing would be out there with them to make sure they don't venture far.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Fencing is the only way. I'm sorry you lost your other Runner. Cornfields along with woods etc are great places for predators to hid out just waiting.

If your going to let them out to explore the best thing other than fencing would be out there with them to make sure they don't venture far.

Yeah. I was out there, but I didn't realize until it was too late that my usual tactics weren't going to work to round them up.
I felt so bad that the one got taken. it was maybe 200 feet in which seems pretty deep when you're in there looking around.
I will come up with something to get them out into the yard until they at least stick with the rest of my crew. I actually didn't think they would venture as far away as they did. But, my error was that I wasn't able to call them back to me.
However, the new ones seem more outgoing and they watch when I'm in the run. They know when they are getting fresh water and meal times already. Also, the original one has shown them where to bed down. So, I know they can learn and they are fast learners - I was just hoping it was not going to take as long to get them used to their new home. I need more patience.

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Runners are totally different than my Muscovy. No way I could open the gate and expect mine to stay close by. They are serious foragers and would be foraging and not even realize how far they have gone. Sometimes I open the gate and let them all out into our long drive way they are much better about not venturing too far down now but when I first started doing it I would have to plant myself at the other end so I could turn them back once they got started.

Got any pictures of your new ones?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

The one on the right with her head in a different direction is the one from my first batch.
I've named her Maple Buns since her bottom is darker. She seemed to be the protector and leader over the other one that I lost.
The other 2 are Biscuit and Almond - for now as I have a hard time committing to names until one really sticks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I love them! That was so nice you were able to find some for the one you had left. To me Runners are very accepting of new Runners added to their flock

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I love them! That was so nice you were able to find some for the one you had left. To me Runners are very accepting of new Runners added to their flock

I got lucky. Though I was planning on driving farther than my normal limits to get some for her. I felt so bad. They get along like they were never strangers.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They sure are special. I think their motto is "the More the merrier"

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I attempted to set up a temporary enclosure in the yard with a small pool that I have. I got it all set up and caught the 3 to place them in there. I had to make an adjustment from the inside; and, Maple Buns (my original one) decided to fly out of the enclosure.
I was able to herd her into my shed and caught her. I then put her back in the run. Rounded up the other 2 and put them back in. They are all happy now. But, I'm pretty sure they were telling me off with all that quacking.

It was my impression that runners "dont fly". She was able to jump and fly over a 4.5ft fence. She didn't maintain the fly, but she did fly.
I think I will try a different plan. I'm opening the whole run (opening the divider), but enclosing everyone in so that the runners and muscovy can mingle more. Maybe that will help them to come out of their shell?
At least the runners all know the run area is "home" as they all wanted back in there.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's amazing! only once did I see one fly over our 4' fence but she was up on the hill behind the house . To be able to have lift off and fly over your fencing is really good for a Runner.