Suggestions on how to move ducklings from in-house brooder to chicken coop.

[Castlemaid]

I have three six-week old Muskovies. They've spend the nights and really cold days in a carboard brooder in the house. I've been putting them outside in an enclosed area during the day when it is nice. As they are growing and feathering out, I'm getting ready to transition them to being outside with the chickens, and one existing older drake. They have been loose outside during the day when I'm there to supervise. They get along great with the chickens and my drake, so I'm not worried about the social aspect of getting them integrated into the flock, rather I'd like some pointers on how to get them trained to enter the coop and consider the coop as their home.

They like to follow the chickens, and even my dog is a favorite flock member. I can also gently herd them about when needed. But I've been physically moving them outside in the morning, and physically moving them back inside in the evening. All the birds free range during the day, but they must be locked up at night due to predators.

I was thinking of locking the ducklings in the coop for a few days, so they consider it home. Would that work? Will they want to make it back in there on their own? Help me with ideas and suggestions please and thank you!

 

[CindyinSD]

If you keep herding them back into the coop, they'll eventually go in on their own—or they'll take the accustomed route with you herding them. Do not attempt to change their route! If they circle the coop once, counterclockwise, then go in... well, that is their tradition. Attempt to break it at your peril. This is referring to regular ducks. Muscovies may be different. I want some, but have never had any. I hear the lady muscovy ducks like to roost in trees.

 

[Castlemaid]

Thank you for the advice Cindy. I successfully herded them in last evening. Had to be slow and patient, but finally got them in. Well this evening, I thought I'd be herding them in from across the yard, where they usually hang out by the pond, but they were just sitting outside the door. Herding them in was a piece of cake, they didn't seem to mind going in at all. This has turned out to be a lot easier than I thought. I think it's just a matter of time now before they start following the chickens in on their own. Hoping!

 

[CindyinSD]

This evening I thought my four assorted ducks must have gone to the pond and not come back, so I headed down there, but no ducks. As I got back to the greenhouse (where they and the chickens will stay the winter) I heard the girls quacking and the boys rasping. There they were, waddling up to the door as I opened it. They must have gone around the back way. Funny things. I love my little duckies.