Granty Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Do ducks take themselves to bed at night the same way that hens do, or do they have to be encouraged to turn in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Hi mine wait for me to go and tell them to go to bed i would never just leave them and expect them to go to bed unless they were locked in a fox proof run leanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 If it is dark enough mine put themselves to bed. Most nights however I lock them up at the same time as the chickens so I have to tell them it is bedtime and guide them in the direction of their house. It was a lot easier than I had anticipated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Yep same as Leane and Chicken Bark - we do have a little routine though - the ducks like a bit of a snack before bed - then the chickens have to be locked up. - then the ducks go in. Sometimes we have tried to shorten this process because its lashing rain or blowing a gale. The ducks soon let us know that we've missed a step Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoejames Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 I have always found that ducks know when they should go in (i.e. dusk) but like to have a routine, and will linger until they are led or guided. A treat helps especially if someone different has to put them away one night as they get very used to the same person. A little whistle that they can learn also helps. Routine is the key. Don't rely on an automatic pop hole with ducks. Zo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Mine have a little routine too... I get home from work about 4.30 and am greeted by VERY loud quacking, demanding some grated cucumber to be thrown in their pond (paddling pool). Once they've had that they take themselves off to bed when it gets dark. They are normally the last up, Daphne in particular likes to watch me putting my row of roosting Polands to bed! I think she likes the entertainment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donald Posted November 21, 2010 Share Posted November 21, 2010 Hi I think they will linger around their housing but they dont put themselves in as chickens do. I always found if I wasnt home in time or missed dusk they spent the night on the pond, so I spent the night worrying if the fox would get them(he never did but that was lucky).Or if you are out for the day leave them in a run Personally chickens are great at going to bed, ducks not so Good luck donald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
