Is there a trick to putting them to bed?

[katharinad]

The average is 1/3 pound per duck per day. If there is food left over then I would reduce it by that amount. No need to waste the extra food. I also watch their keel. It's time to hit the food break if it starts to develop.

 

[un-named]

Quote:
for me it is duckluck's method. they are in the pool, and when i come at them with a stick and point to the door, they go without any trouble or prodding. it is a routine for them now.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

At first, I tried the whole, measure it out for each duck thing, but now I just eye it. I give them two scoops in the morning (about 3-4 cups) and then at dinner I usually give them a little more. If it looks like they are leaving some or foraging more, I will cut it down, and if they seem hungry, I just up it a little.

 

[maralynn28]

How old are they? Mine were difficult getting to bed when they were younger and daylight hours were longer (sunset @ 10) but now when it starts getting dark, they know to come in and be quiet. We have a lot of raccoon activity in the back so I am very thankful they are smart enough to know when it's time to go home safe home.

 

[secretquail]

Lucky is only 2 monthes old. The drake, not sure. I'm guessing about a year. We just got him at the fair on Friday. He was easier to round up than Luck, maybe some treats are in order for tonight!

 

[ejctm]

I herded them into the coop the first night they spent there, and then every night from then on, they just went to bed themselves! I guess I am just lucky, or they picked up on the training quickly. Now it is a routine. I just go out when it is dark, and shut the pop-holes. Perhaps it also helps that the chickens roost in the same coop too.

A few times recently, I have had them enclosed in an area off the lawn, as it has been so wet and they are really affecting the grass, so they have been shut out of the coop during the day. Come evening time, they have been quacking like crazy to get me to let them into the coop! Telling me, "it's bedtime, Mum, let us in!"

I feed mine in the morning, with enough to last the whole day, as I am out at work. I also don't keep food or water in the coop, as it is too messy and they would just knock it over everywhere. Bribery, or herding are good ideas if you need to. If I need to herd them anywhere, I just stretch my arms out wide but a rake sounds good too or a broom, and walk them towards where I want them. They will follow me for peas but it takes longer. Running around trying to catch them individually is crazy! tried this too, and it just tired me out, stressed them out, and did not succeed!

Good luck!

 

[chooniecat]

Agree with most-I,for 7+ years, have simply fed mine in the evening(they are healthy 7 yo pekins) and I let them loose to graze early(no crumbles until evening thus insures they come to bed) thats why I love fowl. food motivated.

 

[gofasterstripe]

Mine get put up at 6.30 every night. When I walk out the door and shout ITS BED TIME they are all ready and waiting. I put the babies up first and shut their gate. If they dont do it fast enough the big ducks stand at the fence making the biggest noise you have ever heard. I open the gate for the big ducks and they literally RUN up the stairs into the house. Takes all of 30 seconds.

Oh and I feed mine in the morning when they get let out and then again at 4pm ish. They dont finish the food. I feed 1 cup per bird 2 times a day. When they go to bed they go to sleep, no snacks for them during the night

 

[mgibbzzz]

As long as I let them house up with the chickens, I don't have any problems. They put themselves to bed.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

Quote:
If you want I can come over and help you get them in and then you can come and help me ...lol....

I have hatched these ducks and geese ( 17 ) out or bought them at the same age ...they have all been together from the start ....they have a lovely coop and a yard...and free range from morning till dusk..have a natural pond ..are fed waterfowl feed inside their coop at night along with water in their yard ,,,,The chicken coop is about 16 feet away along with the chicken yard and they too also free range during the day ( and go into the coop at dusk TOO BED!!!!).

and I CANNOT get the waterfowl to go naturally into their coop and yard ...at dusk ...I have put them on lock down I have let them out later in the day .....

I am not sure if my problem is my Pot Belly Pig ......she will run like a dog when she hears me open the coop doors from miles away !!!! just for a chance at eating some feed...so I usually leave the door shut ...the birds have water outside in the yard also ...I have even tried lifting the feed dishes and leaving the doors open for the waterfowl to come in ...but they eat at different times and then some will be outside and some will be inside eating ...
sooooo we run around at dusk trying to herd them into their coop ....if one goes in usually they all follow ...we have to do it slowly and calmly ...

I know what your going through ....