Training Ducks to Respond to a Call

[TurkeyGoat]

I have a group of 10 ducks that spend most of their time on a pond-lake. For their own safety, I try to keep them near the lake, as there are some woods, a road, neighbors' dogs, etc. nearby. I was thinking it would be nice if I could devise some sort of distinct call that I can give them from a distance that would let them know to go back to the lake if I see them straying too far. So a few questions:

1. Can ducks be trained well enough to respond to a call? (They are already trained to go into their pen each night for food)
2. If so, do I train them by positive reinforcement (making the call whenever I put food on the lake), or by negative reinforcement (making the call while chasing them to the lake?
3. What kind of call would be best? Perhaps a handheld bell or a sports whistle? Or is there a whistle only ducks can hear?

Thanks!

 

[Isaac 0]

Definitely, You could use a duck call, I would think that would work the best, but any sort of sound would work. Simply call them over and throw some treats down on the ground, they eventually will associate the sound with the food.

 

[TurkeyGoat]

You mean one of those calls used for hunting? Also, I would like to train them to go to the lake rather than come to me, since I may not be near the lake when I call them.

 

[Isaac 0]

Yes, they are quite loud too. You will have to associate the call with treats, so for a week or two I would throw treats down and then use the call, then they should come even if you are not near as long as they hear the call.

 

[TurkeyGoat]

Would you have any links or anything to a certain type of duck call? I wouldn't be familiar with what to look for. I suppose it has to sound distinct enough so that they don't confuse it with their own group's quacking...

 

[Isaac 0]

I use this one for mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0GBDY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TurkeyGoat]

So it's good for this call to sound like other ducks?

 

[Isaac 0]

Like I said earlier you can use any call, I just use this for mine since its loud and it gets their attention since it sounds like a duck. Also...... Welcome to BYC!