Scared Ducks

[Waddles and Dawdles Mom]

My ducks were asleep in the corner of their pen/yard when I left for the store. I was gone maybe 20 minutes and when I came back they were in the opposite corner and I never thought anything of it. I went out to feed them and they wouldn't come into the coop, so I went and got them in. I wondered what was up but never really put a lot of thought into their behavior, they're ducks they're always scared of something. I then noticed they wouldn't come back outside, no big deal they'll be over whatever in the morning. Well it's been 8 days and they're still scared and won't come out of the coop. We've had hot days in the 90's already and on those days I picked them up and put them in their pool to keep them cool but they won't swim or do anything just sit there. It's been cool the last few days so no need to force them out but how long can this go on? Do I force them out? I think what happened is a cat jumped over their fence and probably landed either on them or way to close to them while they slept. They are used to cats and the dog but if one landed in their space I get why they're scared. I don't know what to do as it's been awhile now. Anyone ever had to deal with this too scared to leave the coop thing?

 

[sourland]

There's also the possibility that there is a predator in the area, and they are aware of that fact. Possibly an aerial predator.

 

[Aunt Angus]

There's also the possibility that there is a predator in the area, and they are aware of that fact. Possibly an aerial predator.

This is what I thought, too. Gotta be something like that to keep ducks out of the water.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Anytime poultry is in a run without a covering over it they are sitting ducks for a predator attack either from one climbing in or flying in. It might be time to consider covering the top of your pen.

 

[rjmyooper]

What does eveyone think of this covering? It's what I'm planning to buy, but haven't yet.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ts-7-ft-x-100-ft-multipurpose-netting-1110368

 

[DuneDucks]

What does eveyone think of this covering? It's what I'm planning to buy, but haven't yet.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ts-7-ft-x-100-ft-multipurpose-netting-1110368

Depending on where you're at I don't know if I'd trust the plastic to hold up to weather or predators.

https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting

I saw this netting recommended as cover in another thread on here. Looks well-reviewed and reasonably priced. If I don't end up using wire I'll probably end up going with one of the netting options on there.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That looks like really heavy duty. @rjmyooper i’d check into the one @DuneDucks just be showed.

 

[rjmyooper]

 

[rjmyooper]

I do like @DuneDucks choice much better. Thanks for that link.