New amongst our poultry are three 'magpie' call ducks. We reared them when ducklings inside, and introduced them to their pen and housing once their adult feathers had grown.
Their pen includes a sunken bath of water but, even after two months, they steadfastly refuse to go near it. Grabbing them and placing them in it doesn't work, they just flap out as soon as we let go. They love the little puddle of water that collects in a refuse bin-lid thats in their area tho', but the bath - no way!
Any ideas? It's crazy - especially after the work of digging out the bath area.

Hello Bob,

That happens sometimes with waterfowl that are raised w/o access to bathing water. They simply get used to being w/o it & then when it's there they act like it from Mars since they aren't familiar with it.

Do you have a ramp that goes into the "tub"? They would feel more secure if they can easily get traction into & out of the water.

Another idea would be to get a duck that was raised on water so the others could watch it using the tub. Ducks are "monkey see, monkey do" creatures.

Hope this helps.

Hi - yes you're right about the 'monkey see/do' analogy. A week ago we put five young Call ducks who are used to swimming in water in with the original three. The newcomers made a bee-line for the tub - now all 8 are happy splashing around in it as if there never was a doubt.

Thanks

We got 2 new Khaki Campbells who wouldn't go near the water, but as soon as they say our older duck spalshing about they though "Ya, know. That looks like fun!" and they jumped right in. Now they love to swim (and get me covered in water! LOL) Their fav thing to do is play "Let's See Who Can Get Our Owner Wettest." LOL. I love Ducks!