My ducks won’t come back to their coop

[Jo4dunx]

I have seven ducks in total . Normally each night they return to the coop with my chickens and I lock them in to prevent foxes getting to them . The last few days we have had really heavy rain and the bottom of our field resembles a lake ! Well all ducks have taken to it and won’t come back to the coop . Last night as usual I went to count my chickens and ducks in when it was dark ... no sign of the ducks . I eventually found them swimming in the flood . They didn’t come back at all . Tried chasing them out of the water but they kept going straight back in and it was impossible So they were out all night . Again today they have just been happily swimming away on the flooded water . Will they just come back when the water goes down when the rain stops ? It could be days ! Any advise would be very helpful . I did put food out for them today they came off the water to eat and then went straight back on. Two of them are quite young and I’m worried for their safety . Although they do seem very happy swimming away !

 

[KaleIAm]

Getting ducks off the water can be hard. Can you feed them in the coop before bed and not let them out again? I would also we worried for their safety, and that they are establishing a new pattern.

 

[sourland]

I would not feed them until they come back to the pen. Feed is your greatest tool to control them.

 

[Jo4dunx]

Getting ducks off the water can be hard. Can you feed them in the coop before bed and not let them out again? I would also we worried for their safety, and that they are establishing a new pattern.

That’s what I am worried about ! That they will never come back . The water will eventually drain onto the field but it’s very deep at min so will take some time . They are still tnere now sleeping on the water and it’s dark . I won’t feed them again u til they return to the coop . Will they remeber their way back ?

 

[Jo4dunx]

Getting ducks off the water can be hard. Can you feed them in the coop before bed and not let them out again? I would also we worried for their safety, and that they are establishing a new pattern.

Thing is they have been on that water since yesterday and haven’t returned to the coop at all . I wishing the water drains away fast and they return ! They come off the water but if I go towards them they just get back in and swim
Away and I can’t get to them . They are quite timid too