Quack head
Songster
My name is Bob "Dirtygun" nickname given at the range because of my inability to be consistent. I live in Central Tennessee on six acres of property, about three acres is field three acres in woods. The property also has a 1/2 pond (Bass & Bluegill) in our backyard. Moving from Florida with only a postage stamp size yard this is quite a difference. My wife and I retired four years ago and after a few year I decided to take a part-time position with TN park service as a conservation worker. I work two days a week and enjoy the interaction with hikers and backpackers.
We have set up the property with two butterfly gardens and humming bird feeders. We live on a mountain top where hunting is prohibited. We have placed trail cams around the property and have a healthy population of deer with fawns, and the usual predators, raccoons, fox and coyote. Three years ago we have a black bear spend the night in front of our trail cam.
I have three Silver Appleyards two ducks and one drake, Sir Quacks-a-Lot, Dottie & Daisy. Purchase them at four months old and they were free ranged with not a lot of handling. I built a 8 x 8 enclosure (safe from predators) from a old shed and kept them inside for about three weeks. My first turn out was a disaster, they would not come back to the enclosure at night and I had to chase and catch one of them for the others to follow.
I decided to build a small outdoor pen about 200 sq ft. with a kiddie pool after about a week I would call out "Quack House" and they would go inside the enclosure. I would reward them with a handful of mealworms in their nighttime water. They have also started to eat regular food. This is I am happy about, prior to this they ate very little.
Last week I opened up their pen and let them free range in my backyard. They are responding to verbal commands fairly well. I allow them only in the back yard for now (no fence) when they start to wander I strongly say "Ducks NO" and they seem listen and return to the backyard. They decided to explore the pond, they stay in the shallow water with the feet touching the bottom. They enjoy digging in the mud, but won't venture into the main water. I have tried mealworms and they go out so far then let the rest of the mealworms float away. This behavior has only been a few days and I am hoping this will change.
The ducks has not warmed up to humans yet. They will only let me get within 10 feet then start to walk away. I have tried to approach them slowly and even sat with with outside the pen and talked to them in a calming voice. With that said I am hoping they will become true backyard pet ducks for us to enjoy.
Also, some of you responded to questions I had had about the "Quack House" and I have taken your advice and secured it better with 2" x 2" welded wire over the chicken wire I had before.
About it,
Bob
We have set up the property with two butterfly gardens and humming bird feeders. We live on a mountain top where hunting is prohibited. We have placed trail cams around the property and have a healthy population of deer with fawns, and the usual predators, raccoons, fox and coyote. Three years ago we have a black bear spend the night in front of our trail cam.
I have three Silver Appleyards two ducks and one drake, Sir Quacks-a-Lot, Dottie & Daisy. Purchase them at four months old and they were free ranged with not a lot of handling. I built a 8 x 8 enclosure (safe from predators) from a old shed and kept them inside for about three weeks. My first turn out was a disaster, they would not come back to the enclosure at night and I had to chase and catch one of them for the others to follow.
I decided to build a small outdoor pen about 200 sq ft. with a kiddie pool after about a week I would call out "Quack House" and they would go inside the enclosure. I would reward them with a handful of mealworms in their nighttime water. They have also started to eat regular food. This is I am happy about, prior to this they ate very little.
Last week I opened up their pen and let them free range in my backyard. They are responding to verbal commands fairly well. I allow them only in the back yard for now (no fence) when they start to wander I strongly say "Ducks NO" and they seem listen and return to the backyard. They decided to explore the pond, they stay in the shallow water with the feet touching the bottom. They enjoy digging in the mud, but won't venture into the main water. I have tried mealworms and they go out so far then let the rest of the mealworms float away. This behavior has only been a few days and I am hoping this will change.
The ducks has not warmed up to humans yet. They will only let me get within 10 feet then start to walk away. I have tried to approach them slowly and even sat with with outside the pen and talked to them in a calming voice. With that said I am hoping they will become true backyard pet ducks for us to enjoy.
Also, some of you responded to questions I had had about the "Quack House" and I have taken your advice and secured it better with 2" x 2" welded wire over the chicken wire I had before.
About it,
Bob
Glad you joined.
We are glad you joined our flock!
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC! 
