Stubborn ducks!

[faithsducks]

I have 2 gorgeous 8 week old saxony's who have been outside for the last 2 weeks now along with 3 chickens introduced a week later. The problem I'm having is getting them in at night. Last weekend I didn't get home as early as expected and came home to find everyone safely tucked up in bed but since that night I can't get the bloody ducks to go to bed on their own. As the run is quite low and the house is raised, therefore providing a lovely hiding spot, I now find myself crawling around in dubious looking mud every evening! The chickens are still good as gold and in bed every night. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NEWTODUCKS]

I sometimes have this problem with my runner ducks-particularly if it's mild and they'd rather stay out. Could you entice them in the right direction by throwing meal worms or some other treat.
Chickens naturally go to roost-ducks don't.

 

[BasilF]

If they are in a secure enclosure (electric netting) then they don''t need to go inside. From about 6 weeks they don't seem to care about cold or rain.

 

[4jordynjoeynjorge]

I have heard keeping them completely penned for three straight days helps. I guess it has to do with the feeling of "home". I like giving mine cracked corn. Its the treat I use.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hiya I know this feeling too well!!!
The only thing I have found that works is to bribe them with a bowl of their fav treats at bedtime, that way they are usually in when they see me coming with the bowl. Use the same bowl, same treats every night and they will soon learn

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