Indian Runners won't drink from new waterer

[TracyAdams]

Hi, We have 9 indian runner ducks and we found a DIY waterer that we made out of a 5-gal bucket that looks less messy than a regular waterer. They won't go anywhere near it. Do I need to do what I did when they were babies and pick them up and show them where the waterer is so they know it won't kill them? I'm just worried because, even thought we raised them from eggs, it's like they don't know us and are so scared when we go in the duck house. They huddle in a corner and I'm afraid they going to hurt themselves. They have an enclosed pond as well, so I know they can get water, but they're not using the new waterer next to their food and it's making me nervous. Advice please.

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Runners are the same way scared of their own shadows. I think if one will try the new waterer that will be all it takes so maybe just wait a while as long as they have access to drinking water they aren’t going to get dehydrated. I have found with my Runners spending time outside with them get some dried mealworms and start giving them out I can get one of my Runners to eat out of my hand now and they hatched here over two years ago. It does take time lol

 

[lomine]

You could try having the new and old waterer out at the same time. Once they start using the new one you can take the old one out. They are afraid because it’s new. Just give them time to get used to it.

And I agree, mealworms are a secret weapon for the savvy duck owner.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[Blue Crow]

Try tossing peas in it every once and while while they are watching - but mostly time someone will try it and then is will be the thing all the cool duckies are doing.