Missing Ducks??? Mallards and Pekins

[Navymanswife]

We have rescued four mallards and three pekins and one cayuga. The cayuga has bonded with a pekin. Then, I have four mallards and two bonded pekins. The mallards and the pekins "disappear" during the day sometimes and don't come back for hours - sometimes even days - I have no idea where they are hiding out or why?? Is this normal? Are they nesting somewhere (they are between 15-18 weeks old) and every time they go wandering I start worrying that they have been taken by some predator. None of them will come to their pen at night now - I think it's because they love the lake (it's 6 acres) and they have just established their homes on the water islands...

The cayuga and his mate (pekin) stay around - they are always there. Sometimes, the cayuga gets aggressive with all the other ducks (establishing pecking order or chasing treats) - I don't know if this is why everyone disappears or if it's just normal....Any thoughts??

 

[Amiga]

Any of your ideas could be the case, including - someday perhaps soon - predators.

Having them in safe shelter, at the very least at night, is the way probably most of us care for the ducks. Many of us do much more than that. It is a personal decision, but it is about how much risk you want their lives to be at.

So.

People have been able to herd reluctant ducks back to a pen. It can be done.

Once back in, many times people keep them in the fenced area for a couple of weeks, so they know this is home base.

Treats help, positive experiences help (swimming pools, toys, lots of nice forage, good food). If they are only given treats and food within the fenced area they are more likely to return.

 

[Navymanswife]

Yes, we have been "penning" them at night - this disappearing act just started about a week ago - until then, they came back every night, we used mealworms as treats to lure them and most of the time, they just waltzed right on in...it's just this new behavior and it has me crazy with worry at night....I guess when they appear again, I will lure them into the pen and hold for a few days to remind them not to run away from home! I haven't tried that yet!

 

[Amiga]

Ducks are odd, sometimes, they may have found the mother lode of worms and not want to leave that foraging area. Or, Mr. Bossy could be discouraging them.

Bring'em home and lock'em up for a bit. Just be sure, if it's really hot, they have shade and fresh cool water, etc. But you knew that.

 

[Navymanswife]

What do you suggest about Mr. Bossy?? I spoke to my rescue peeps and they said "it will work out with time" but sometimes, he is flat nasty to the other ducks. I am afraid he is discouraging them from trying to return. That's just a guess though - what can I do to change/reduce his aggression??

 

[Amiga]

It will take experimenting, sometimes segregating them. I have two flocks right now due to a dispute over who Romy likes best......