Loud Ducks...

[CarleeAnn]

I have two Swedish Ducks that were raised in our bedroom in a storage bin beside the bed, consequently they are attached to us. We are currently transitioning them to being outside, but one duck in particular when left alone will start wailing and won't stop until we show our face. She doesn't do this every time, sometimes she can be left alone for 3 hours, sometimes 3 minutes. Anywhere in between! I do not want her disturbing the neighbors or attracting predators. If anyone has had a similar situation we would appreciate some advice! Or, if you could just let us know how long until your duck got used to its new yard?

Both Ducks will sit by the gate waiting for us when we leave, but because our other, quieter duck, starts to forage the loud mouth will get distracted and explore too. I try to leave while they are busy eating or splashing and it helps a little, but it would be nice if this process could go somewhat faster!


Thank you!

 

[chickens really]

Just leave them and do not go running to them every time they cry...Soon they learn....Time to cut the apron strings...

 

[CarleeAnn]

Just leave them and do not go running to them every time they cry...Soon they learn....Time to cut the apron strings...

I try to do this midday when the neighbors aren't home, but early morning I just can't let them be so loud!

 

[chickens really]

Your Ducklings will grow into Ducks and will be loud...My Ducks all yap first thing in the morning.....Your neighbours
Will have to get used to them....

 

[gal5150]

I had the exact same scenario when I moved my two girls to their pen. One was just delighted to do the duck thing...the other quacked loudly, couldn't open windows at the back of the house bc if she heard my voice she'd start up, had to drape a huge sheet over the door to the pen so she couldn't stare at me while I was out on my patio and quack, etc.

A few things. Agreed, absolutely do not reinforce the quacking by going out there. Explain to the neighbors that the transition may be a bit noisy if you have to but don't give in.

Have a pretty rigid routine...when you go out to feed and water, when they get treats, etc. For several weeks do not stray from the routine. Let the needy duck adjust and get used to the routine. I like to treat when I feed and water in the morning bc that's naturally a loud time for ducks, treats or not. NO RANDOM TREATING throughout the day for as long as it takes for the ducks to settle into the new norm, and then some. Otherwise, the duck may think the quacking caused the treat.

What I can tell you is the transition took time. There were points I feared we'd have to rehome. Then, all was quiet....until the next round of just general quaking resumed for a spell. It goes on and off. Now, at just over a year, my needy duck is only noisy when I expect her to be....first thing in the morning, and when I first go in to hang out whenever I want to and she gets excited. She calms down after a few minutes. It DOES get better with time and structure.

Edit to say that first thing in the morning is just a universally loud time for ducks, regardless of when you water and feed. At least if you're watering and feeding at that time they settle quicker bc of the distraction of fresh food and water. I like to dump a water bin right where it sits so they drill have a spot to drill and sift through while I fill bowls and such. No way around the loud mornings I'm afraid, but the quacking upon you leaving will eventually fade.

 

[CarleeAnn]

I had the exact same scenario when I moved my two girls to their pen. One was just delighted to do the duck thing...the other quacked loudly, couldn't open windows at the back of the house bc if she heard my voice she'd start up, had to drape a huge sheet over the door to the pen so she couldn't stare at me while I was out on my patio and quack, etc.

A few things. Agreed, absolutely do not reinforce the quacking by going out there. Explain to the neighbors that the transition may be a bit noisy if you have to but don't give in.

Have a pretty rigid routine...when you go out to feed and water, when they get treats, etc. For several weeks do not stray from the routine. Let the needy duck adjust and get used to the routine. I like to treat when I feed and water in the morning bc that's naturally a loud time for ducks, treats or not. NO RANDOM TREATING throughout the day for as long as it takes for the ducks to settle into the new norm, and then some. Otherwise, the duck may think the quacking caused the treat.

What I can tell you is the transition took time. There were points I feared we'd have to rehome. Then, all was quiet....until the next round of just general quaking resumed for a spell. It goes on and off. Now, at just over a year, my needy duck is only noisy when I expect her to be....first thing in the morning, and when I first go in to hang out whenever I want to and she gets excited. She calms down after a few minutes. It DOES get better with time and structure.

Edit to say that first thing in the morning is just a universally loud time for ducks, regardless of when you water and feed. At least if you're watering and feeding at that time they settle quicker bc of the distraction of fresh food and water. I like to dump a water bin right where it sits so they drill have a spot to drill and sift through while I fill bowls and such. No way around the loud mornings I'm afraid, but the quacking upon you leaving will eventually fade.

Thank you! Those are great suggestions. We have been working on a routine, I give them breakfast and their "fun bowl" (a floppy plastic one they like to shake so the water splashes out) as soon as I let them out of the coop and I leave while they're distracted. I need to start incorporating treats. It's very reassuring to hear someone had the same problem and it got better. I really appreciate your reply.

 

[sophieharkins]

I know how you feel. Ive got a ridiculously loud pekin in an APARTMENT.

 

[beccaWA]

Ducks are loud. End of story.

 

[annabobbob717]

I try to do this midday when the neighbors aren't home, but early morning I just can't let them be so loud!

I have the same issue, I have one duck who screams to get what she wants at the drop of a dime bc she knows I have to. It is so hard in the morning because i have to give in or my neighbors will kill me. The only solution is to minimize a reaction when she starts up. It has gotten worse with age as well