How to train my almost 4 month old ducks to come when called?

[MillersFarm]

Before i'd enter my brooding pen where I raised my call ducks i'd always make sure I had a can with cat food in it. I'd shake it and say "Peeper Peepers" As soon as I went in their brooder pen, I'd always sit down with them and hand feed them as well. I free range them now on 40+ acres and every time I have to put them away I yell out "Peepers!" And they always come flying at me and straight into their coop.

 

[kwhites634]

I am going to have to try that...but I have a drake to so say something different to lure them in.

Your drake don't care what you call him. Animals don't know the meaning of particular words; they respond to a sound they've come to recognize and associate with something they like, or dislike, and to inflection. They'll pick up on your body language.
You can stand on your head saying "applesauce"; it won't make a difference to them if they've learned to respond to it.

 

[happy duck]

Thanks for the ideas and tips. I always dreaded the day when I was going to let my ducks out on the pond. I was always so worried that they would never come. Now I have a good way to get them back in there run easy! Some times I think "everybody's ducks come when called, but what if mine don't".....I know they will tho. They run to me when I have a treat....when I don't even call them. Thanks tons!

 

[emmec19]

I just posted about my ducks who have always come in at night for two months now (they are also 4 months), but would not come in tonight! I always give them meal worms at night and call out "here duck duck ducks" and clap my hands. They really seem to be creatures of habit and it really surprised me that I could not get them to come tonight. Now it's dark : (

 

[CrystaBub]

I just posted about my ducks who have always come in at night for two months now (they are also 4 months), but would not come in tonight! I always give them meal worms at night and call out "here duck duck ducks" and clap my hands. They really seem to be creatures of habit and it really surprised me that I could not get them to come tonight. Now it's dark : (

Oh no! Did you ever get them in????

 

[emmec19]

Oh no! Did you ever get them in????

Thank you. I did not get them in, worried all night, but they were all safe and well this morning. I hope that never happens again!
Jabby, Gabby, and Abby; I love those trio names! So cute!

 

[CrystaBub]

Thank you. I did not get them in, worried all night, but they were all safe and well this morning. I hope that never happens again!
Jabby, Gabby, and Abby; I love those trio names! So cute!

I'm so glad they are safe! And we have a Dabby now too! My husband just keeps rolling his eyes at me!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Start early this afternoon maybe put up temp fencing at the barn so when they come up to eat you can close a gate and keep them inside so going into their barn will be easier.

 

[happy duck]

Start early this afternoon maybe put up temp fencing at the barn so when they come up to eat you can close a gate and keep them inside so going into their barn will be easier.

Was this message for me or for @emmec19 ?

 

[Fishkeeper]

Animals don't care about the words, it's the tone that gets their attention. Pretty much all dogs will respond to a call of "here, stupid, come here stupid!" if it's in the right tone.