4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[clucky clarke's]

Hi Everyone,

 

On saturday we went and collect our ducklings . We have got 3 aylesburys and 2 khaki campbell . They are 6 weeks old. When we arrived at the place, i really didn't like the conditions the ducks and another animals were being kept in. However, we proceeded with the purchase because the ducks looked healthy and i wanted to take them to a nicer life.

 

We now have 2 problems ....the 1st is that the ducks smell of the dirty barn they came out of and i was wandering if i can do anything to get the smell off them . 2nd problem is that they are absolutely terrified. If i even walk into the garage were we currently have them they all scrabble to the corner of their enclosure and climb on top of each other. They are so scared.

 

Any suggestions of how to get rid of the smell or how to tame them slightly would be great.

 

Thanks kelly.x (proud mummy to 4 pygmy goats)

[Guest]

I would get them some nice water to swim in as ducks have very oily coats but even in the muddiest of winter my ducks still managed to look clean ...they make a mess in the mud. You could grab and give them a good dunking. But they really shouldnt be too dirty like you say they are especially at this time of year! Just a big shallow bowl(it doesnt have to be deep..they may all pile in, keep an eye on them being so young. I would get them outside in all this lovely rain enclosed too. That will wash them.

 

Just keep the area clean they will improve.

 

Just use food in your hand or rattle a pot, they will come to eat out of your hand. they will settle. They are not as tame as chickens, but will feed out of your hand and come to you eventually..if you can be bothered they love mash potatoes ducks...and as they get bigger garden snails..they will chase each other for those and swallow them hole.

 

Food is the key to most animals.

 

Good luck..keep persevering and spend time in with them they will get use to you

 

indie