The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: bumpkins on March 18, 2014, 09:48:15 pm
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Hi - I'm hoping that someone can wave a magic wand for me!
We have just been given 6 Khaki Campbells - 4 ducks and 2 drakes which are about 3 yrs old. We prepared for them really well - dug a pond, built a duck house and a little shelter in a nice grassy area next to our chicken run (they previously lived with chickens). But, they hate us and all seem really miserable and are absolutely terrified of everything. They won't even go near the feeders! We can do absolutely nothing with them and cannot even shut them in at night. As soon as we're anywhere near they completely panic and start running as far away as possible. We're reasonably experienced with chickens and have some Jacob sheep, but have to admit to being completely baffled by the ducks! They were very tame with their former owners and we have tried to use the same methods of handling/feeding etc but they're having none of it - we have a very unhappy bunch of ducks at the moment. Does anyone have any ideas how we can help them settle in a bit? :thinking:
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They just need to settle in don't worry! You can feed them treats like break or worms which will win ten round! They will get used to you soon enough. If you can't face digging up worms buy maggots from a fishing shop. The little wrigglers will prove irresistible I'm sure haha you can always just sit a while with them. Patience and bribery! Good luck!
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That should be bread and them... Blasted iPhone has a mind of it's own!
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I'd dig up a million worms if I thought that It would make them happy! Thank you for that idea - Guess what me and my trusty spade will be doing at 6 am tomorrow morning.......!!!! Thanks again!
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Hope it works for you! Fingers crossed!! :)
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Ours like lettuce and mixed corn. Try to crouch down when you are in with them and offer the treats, i'm sure they will come round.