Year old ducks won't eat out of feeder.

[HevandFrag]

Hi!
I bought a couple of year old Drakes from a friend. I bought the waterfowl pellets that he has been feeding them on, but they won't eat it out of any sort of feeder I give them - only when sprinkled on the ground!
Ive tried trays, containers, actual feeders, and have now built this contraption as they used to eat out of a trough or any old container. I feel bad as they're not eating out of the containers yet when I take a handful and throw it for them, they go mad for it. But I don't want rotting wet food all over the pen.
Any advice greatly appreciated!!

 

[HevandFrag]

Here's the pics!

 

[HevandFrag]

Also, I don't know why it says this is related to hatching haha!

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

That's ridiculous! Trouble some duckies I would let them go without food for 2-3 days. Still have the food in a feeder, but let them get hungry. Maybe that will encourage them to eat out of a feeder.

 

[HevandFrag]

That's ridiculous! Trouble some duckies I would let them go without food for 2-3 days. Still have the food in a feeder, but let them get hungry. Maybe that will encourage them to eat out of a feeder.

I knn;ow! Okay thank you, it's quite obvious their foods in there because they watch me grab it out of the feeder and throw it for them hopefully they'll warm to it!

 

[ruthhope]

They are drakes being stubborn -- and lovely looking drakes, too!!! I suppose you have to show them who is boss by only feeding them from the feeder.

 

[BabyGotQuack]

I would throw some treats in the feeder, not a ton, just to get them interested in the feeder. Maybe some meal worms or veggies? But I agree with both @Barred Rock Mama and @ruthhope stand your ground, eventually they’ll get hungry enough and use it.

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Oh and also you posted in the right section, ducks. YOUR status is “hatching” meaning you recently joined, so welcome!

 

[Chickenlovermom]

Do they like the food?

 

[HevandFrag]

Thanks @ruthhope and @BabyGotQuack I'll try and stand my ground! They're still quite scared of me but they do chase me when I turn my back