CaliDuckDude
In the Brooder
I'm still very new to raising ducks. I did not intend to start this hobby this soon(was waiting until closer to retirement in the next couple years). Circumstances unfortunately kind of forced this situation on me as I am a huge animal lover.
I currently have a flock of six ducks that were all acquired through one Swedish Blue I rescued and have since brought her some friends over time. The flock consists of one Swedish Blue, three Muckovies and 2 Mallards. All Female(I dont want the fighting).
The Muskovys flew off to my neighbors property and I had to catch them. I caught three of them and one unfortunately flew over to another property and a dog killed it almost immediately. I brought the three back to their area and I had to clip their wings(which I had thought about a few weeks back but was against it). Before I clipped their wings, I had to weight the pros and cons, i.e. their safety, potential predators which is very low considering how our property is laid out).
Fast forward a week. Two of the Muskovies can still fly, so, the wife and I tried to catch them again. We managed to catch one but, seems like the entire flock is now terrified whenever I get within 10 feet of their area and they all go off and hide in the bushes at the back of the property. Normally, they hang out around the three huge pools I have for them. They have plenty of fresh water, food, treats, etc. Occasionally, I go and sit in their area and just talk but, they seem terrified. They used to come within a few feet of me but I never really have been able to have them seem calm.
They seemed so happy until all this went down. I'm at a loss.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
I currently have a flock of six ducks that were all acquired through one Swedish Blue I rescued and have since brought her some friends over time. The flock consists of one Swedish Blue, three Muckovies and 2 Mallards. All Female(I dont want the fighting).
The Muskovys flew off to my neighbors property and I had to catch them. I caught three of them and one unfortunately flew over to another property and a dog killed it almost immediately. I brought the three back to their area and I had to clip their wings(which I had thought about a few weeks back but was against it). Before I clipped their wings, I had to weight the pros and cons, i.e. their safety, potential predators which is very low considering how our property is laid out).
Fast forward a week. Two of the Muskovies can still fly, so, the wife and I tried to catch them again. We managed to catch one but, seems like the entire flock is now terrified whenever I get within 10 feet of their area and they all go off and hide in the bushes at the back of the property. Normally, they hang out around the three huge pools I have for them. They have plenty of fresh water, food, treats, etc. Occasionally, I go and sit in their area and just talk but, they seem terrified. They used to come within a few feet of me but I never really have been able to have them seem calm.
They seemed so happy until all this went down. I'm at a loss.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
