Training Ducks for the coop

[ducklovingdeb]

All my ducks have been free range, but with the onset of the coyote population growing, we have decided it's best to learn how to train the ducks to go to the coop in the evening. I recently lost my entire flock (18 feathered babies) and I don't want to go through the loss again. So, my question is, how does one train the ducks to go to the coop in the evening? What has worked for y'all? Background: we have 18 acres, 3 acre creek fed pond. Ducks normally stay around the pond. Thanks for your help and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[sourland]

Feed is the greatest tool in the training of ducks. Accustom them to feeding in their pen every evening.

 

[KathiQuacks]

Teach them a word / sound to associate with food; I say, “food food!” every time I feed mine. When they’re grown, feed them on a schedule and continue to use the word / sound. Keep them close to home until they understand.

I will occasionally give my ducks some treats in the middle of the day; this gets them excited to see me. I’ve also recently switched to giving them most of their main feed in the evening; this makes them more willing to come up later in the day.

I have a 5 acre pond, and as much as my ducks love it, they love the food more and will always come running for it.

 

[Jenbirdee]

yes i was going to say food too. just put up a little fence around where their coop is put the food in there and then shut the gate after they go into eat about a half hour to an hour before sunset would be good. I also have some little fencing set up that pretty much funnels them into the door of their house and I wave a pool noodle or two lol

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Only ever feed them in their coop. Mine come back into the barn after foraging on 30 acres every night because that’s the only place where the free food is.