new to ducks

[mpericol]

I recently got 2 female brown ducks and 1 male duck. They are about 5 months old.
I have a fenced in area that includes part of the pond they will eventually be released to.
They do not eat the food and water they are given. I guess they get all they need from the ground and the pond. They have a house with hay and a nice ramp but they do not use it.
I caught them and put them in at night. They stayed in it all night but didn't seem to know enough to get out in the AM. I managed to get one out then the other two followed.
I would like for them to use the house at night so they will be somewhat protected before I release them to use the whole pond. Any ideas? Should I insist on them going into the house at night? It ain't easy. Thanks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I recently got 2 female brown ducks and 1 male duck. They are about 5 months old.
I have a fenced in area that includes part of the pond they will eventually be released to.
They do not eat the food and water they are given. I guess they get all they need from the ground and the pond. They have a house with hay and a nice ramp but they do not use it.
I caught them and put them in at night. They stayed in it all night but didn't seem to know enough to get out in the AM. I managed to get one out then the other two followed.
I would like for them to use the house at night so they will be somewhat protected before I release them to use the whole pond. Any ideas? Should I insist on them going into the house at night? It ain't easy. Thanks.

Hi and

what is the food they have been given? Is the ramp steep? maybe thats why they don't like it too hard to get into? In the morning put food and water close to their house on the outside and just let them come out on their own, they have to get use to their new surroundings, ducks don't like change much. Most ducks herd well so maybe try walking slowly towards them with your arms stretched out to you sides and kinda guide them in the direction you want them to go, they will eventually get the hang of it. Before releasing them to the pond make sure they are using their house by them selves because you may not get them off the pond and that will probably mean they will be picked off by preds, either by air or ground. It's always best to lock them into a secure house at night.Does this house have windows with adequate ventilation? Maybe the house is too hot. I would insist they go in at night, they have no idea what would love to have duck for dinner. Just remember they are as new to you as you are to them They will learn eventually it just takes time and patience and treats lots of treats.

 

[mpericol]

Thanks for the info. I don't know the name of the food. The man I got the ducks from bought it for me at the feed store. It's what he uses, two different kinds. One has cracked corn and other ingredients. The house I have for them is like a dog house with a small incline ramp. Should not be a problem. I will just wait and see what happens. Right now I have multiply chigger bites so probably will not go in the pen, for a while anyway.

 

[mpericol]

What is a good treat for my ducks??