Traumatized Ducks

[Mama Duck92]

I used to have three ducks that roamed freely in my yard. They've never stayed in their pen or even got into our porch. Just lived a happy life, until last week when they were attacked by raccoons in the middle of the night
We were able to save two of them, but the raccoons got away with our smaller female duck. And one had an injured leg,but has since gotten better..
Now the remaining two will not get off of my front porch! They sleep right underneath my bedroom window, where I check on them constantly throughout the night, losing sleep because I think I'm just as traumatized as they are!
My question is, how can I help them to feel more relaxed, so that I can start sleeping better as well? Should i build a different pen or duck house for them? Any advice welcome TIA.

 

[sourland]

They need a coop that they can be securely locked in at night. A predator proof pen might also be a good idea as coons will hunt during the day if hungry enough. Good luck in protecting them.

 

[Mama Duck92]

In our experience with ducks, we have to force them in their pen. It will be freezing out and they would still stand outside (we don't want them to get frostbite). You may have to take that approach to help keep them safe at night.

I just dont want to stress them out more than they already are! They used to follow me around the yard, and now they run anytime someone or something gets near.. although they do settle down at night if they hear my voice through my window. I just feel like I've failed to protect them.

 

[Blue Crow]

Once you have an coop herding is really painless- Try walking behind them slowly to herd them into the enclosure - a stick or broom handle waved to stop them scattering helps, when they are in the pen scatter some special treats or a quarter cabbage in after them, if you feed the sprouted grains or wet food putting it in there just before you herd them in works really well. - Chose they aren't going to wolf down in two seconds so they dont pop right back out, then shut the door. If you pair it with a cue word of phase like "Bed time for burbies" or some such (I use "To helmspeep" and point dramatically) you will get them trained to the point where you don't really have to herd them, unless one is being sassypants.


If they get a treat/ nice mash you're not locking them up your helping them find food and as time goes on you can cut the treats if you so desire.

Once they get used to it it really becomes their safe place and everyone can sleep better.

 

[SkyBlueEmu]

They should start acting normally in a few days(sometimes more). It takes time for them to get over traumatizing events just like people. My geese were attacked by dogs while free ranging last week, and wouldn't leave their enclosure for a few days and were spooked by the sounds of barking dogs. They got better after about 4 days.
I would suggest building some sort of shelter for them to prevent any future attacks from predators.
If they don't like their pen, try giving them treats and food in the pen and lock then in it at night. They will eventually get used to it and treats reward them for staying in the pen.

 

[LoveScovies]

In our experience with ducks, we have to force them in their pen. It will be freezing out and they would still stand outside (we don't want them to get frostbite). You may have to take that approach to help keep them safe at night.

 

[arrowti]

When my ducks were moved to a new pen we carried them all to it and closed them up in it. They stayed in the pen for a few days before we let them out, so they could acclimate. You want them to be comfortable with their pen so they are willing to go back in it. And locking them in was just the easiest way.

Best to do when the weather is mild. If it's really hot I wouldn't leave them locked in through the day!

 

[chickens really]

A totally secure enclosure. A dog Run covered top to bottom with wire mesh too..A Raccon proof gate.

 

[casportpony]

So sorry for your loss. . May I suggest that you get a large dog crate and predator proof the door with hardware cloth (coons can reach in if you don't). Keep them in there at night until you can come up with another plan. Maybe this will help the three of you sleep better at night.

 

[casportpony]

There are probably some threads on BYC that have coop and run ideas.

Yes, good idea!
Also look here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/other-fowl-housing.35/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-coops.12/