Silver Appleyards won’t forage without me

[Mama Mills]

Hello all! We have two wonderful ducks who are nearly three months old. They’re more fun than I could have imagined and we actually have two more (Saxony) arriving next week! We have a large yard that is fully fenced with lots of tree coverage and now that Strawberry and Waffles are good sized I’d really like for them to spend some time independently foraging. They do pretty well when I’m outside in the yard with them however as soon as I go inside the hang out on our patio seemingly waiting for me return. I’ve tried scattering meal worms around and that works for a little while but they always end up back on the patio within a short amount of time. They’ve even started poking their heads through the doggie door! I love spending time with them but I also want them to be more independent. I’m hoping growing our flock might help? Any advice on how to get them foraging more when I’m not in the yard with them? Thanks in advance

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hello all! We have two wonderful ducks who are nearly three months old. They’re more fun than I could have imagined and we actually have two more (Saxony) arriving next week! We have a large yard that is fully fenced with lots of tree coverage and now that Strawberry and Waffles are good sized I’d really like for them to spend some time independently foraging. They do pretty well when I’m outside in the yard with them however as soon as I go inside the hang out on our patio seemingly waiting for me return. I’ve tried scattering meal worms around and that works for a little while but they always end up back on the patio within a short amount of time. They’ve even started poking their heads through the doggie door! I love spending time with them but I also want them to be more independent. I’m hoping growing our flock might help? Any advice on how to get them foraging more when I’m not in the yard with them? Thanks in advance

They are young and that big world is scary Give them time they will learn especially when the 2 new ones can join them. If you have had them since they were tiny they look to you for protection. But once they are a flock of 4 they will gradually bond with one another. And then you'll be sad they don't need you any more. Are they outside over night now too?

 

[Mama Mills]

They are young and that big world is scary Give them time they will learn especially when the 2 new ones can join them. If you have had them since they were tiny they look to you for protection. But once they are a flock of 4 they will gradually bond with one another. And then you'll be sad they don't need you any more. Are they outside over night now too?

Thanks for the reminder of how young they still are @Miss Lydia ! It’s easy to forget when they get so big so fast. That’s a good perspective to have. Yes they’ve been living outside full time since they were around 5 weeks old. It’s hard to believe we’ll be starting over next week and doubling our flock, can’t wait!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Be sure to post pictures of them all we love pictures.

They grow super fast it is easy to forget they are still babies.