Hope someone has advice

[Anonymous]

Hi all
Hope someone can answer some questions i have. :?
Firstly i have 4 muscovy ducklings and 4 geese.

Before they even arrived a house was build for them. A three wall house with wonderful straw in and a little ramp to enter, but do you for one minute think these duckling will go in. It is raining buckets here and i have at last caught them and put them in the garage to keep warm, but these little ones refuse to go into it, and stay on the dam on next to it. It has been a little over a week that i have had them and i have had sleepless night for i am worried they are cold and wet. Please can some tell me how i get them to like this house that i build for them, and even if they do not want to go in there, then to get them into the chicken house, as they are friendly with my chickens.
I was right to catch them and bring them in hey? As i said it it pouring and it is cold.
Then one of the little one's is limping and when i brought him/her in i checked and his/her webbing is a bit open. DO i leave it that way or do i do something.
Thanks for listening, just want the best for my babies..
Greetings
Rainy South Africa
Hannelore

 

[Davidd]

Hello and welcome
Muskovies dont like to be shut up- they will get used to it- try feeding them in the house -then, that way they should go in when you want them too- if they are only babies then i would make sure they don't get too wet- until they are fully feathered up . You will find, if you have any ducks- they will fly- mine sit on top of the house and barns! -the drakes get too heavy to fly- mine go in at night- even the ones that fly- i can't leave them out for the fox :shock: Once they gey into a routine then they will be fine. Good luck and keep us informed, as for the one limping- just make sure it heals ok and doesn't get infected- a few days "house rest" should sort it out.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks David!
Will keep an eye on the heel. They are about 8 to 12 weeks old, and are feathered. I think a good dry sleep in the warm garage is all they need as my nerves will not hold it. Thanks so much for the advice.
Hannelore