when and how to start free ranging Ducks?

[Michael P]

Actually, Holderread warns not to point the flashlight directly at them because they will panic. You point the spotlight at the ground just near enough to get the ducks to move, but not freak out. It is amazing how well you can control them.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Actually, Holderread warns not to point the flashlight directly at them because they will panic. You point the spotlight at the ground just near enough to get the ducks to move, but not freak out. It is amazing how well you can control them.

I herd them with a stick and guide them easily enough with it. There is a security light in the yard, so they can see me. I also have them trained to come back into their run when they are out free ranging in the yard.
Sometimes, you shine a light on them unintentionally - especially when there is a group of them. They won't be able to see a flashlight in the day time, so it is good to have alternatives.
But, if it works for you, then keep doing what you are doing.

 

[DucksOhio]

I think developing a routine works. My ducks go out same time every morning and same time every evening.

I close the duck house door with the food inside, and provide fresh water outside for them during the day. About midday, when I’m cleaning their house, I put some pelleted food out for them for a short period.

At night, they get a feast of (pellet) food, peas and mealworms waiting for them inside their house. That has definitely been a motivation for them to go inside easily.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I think developing a routine works. My ducks go out same time every morning and same time every evening.

I close the duck house door with the food inside, and provide fresh water outside for them during the day. About midday, when I’m cleaning their house, I put some pelleted food out for them for a short period.

At night, they get a feast of (pellet) food, peas and mealworms waiting for them inside their house. That has definitely been a motivation for them to go inside easily.

I agree that routine and consistency is key. However, ducks should have water available whenever they have food or they could choke.

 

[DucksOhio]

I agree -- that's why I put water outside the house. They also have a pond.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I agree -- that's why I put water outside the house. They also have a pond.

But, you are feeding them a "feast" inside their home with no water at night? Or did I misread that?

 

[DucksOhio]

But, you are feeding them a "feast" inside their home with no water at night? Or did I misread that?

Oh no - they have LOTS of water! And they certainly go through it

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Oh no - they have LOTS of water! And they certainly go through it

Ah. Ok. That is why I was clarifying.

 

[lkistamas]

Thank you for everyone's input, I started off with giving them a bigger area that was gated off. Next day, I opened the gate up a bit allowing them to chose to go back if they want. I did that for 3 days. Then yesterday, I just let them free range with no parameters and they got spooked by my dog and they ended up running into the "bushy, tight treed" area on my fenced 1/2 acre backyard. I had a very hard time getting them back to their pan.
My question is, will my ducks ( they are indian runners -cayuga mixes) ever be less skittish around my dog and humans? Or if I let them free ranged will they always just go and hide in the trees? Then I gotta herd them every evening back to their pan?
Thank you!

 

[Lil Drake40]

Runner are naturally skid dish any way and if the aren’t use to the dog that is a predator to them. Especially if they haven’t been out together before. Herding isn’t that hard to do once they get use to what your wanting of them. Was your dog doing anything to make them scared like trying to smell them? Ducks don’t naturally come home to roost like chickens so teaching them is the idea.