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  • In need of drugs

    To set the scene

    Mme Pastis has ducks and chickens. Lots. Some mallard (all in couples) and some wild large things, and half a dozen chicks probably about 30 odd in total.
    They all live in and about her garden (about 9000m2) including a large pond.

    There is a small shed type thing with a full size opening door (which she uses) and a small hatch for the fowl. This shed is where she puts the feed for the fowl, although they generally scratch about and eat stuff anyway.

    She has pretty much moved in here, and her house is for sale so we are trying to catch all the birds to either put in the freezer or move up to my place.

    Chickens are simple, I wait till its dark, close the small hatch and go into the coop and put them in cages.

    The ducks, however, are proving very very difficult to catch.

    I have closed the hatch and left the front door ajar, enough for them to get in and out. I then wait till they come into eat (around 6pm) and try and get them all into the coop, then close the door with me inside to catch them.

    Too wise by far these birds. Thus far have caught 9 and the rest are steadfastly refusing to enter.

    Is there a drug that would make them drowsy, that I could put into bread or somethings similar, meaning I wouldnt have issues catching them.
    Or

    Another method that I havent thought of?

    Sorry its a bit long winded.

    Ta
    Bob Leponge
    Life's disappointments are so much harder to take if you don't know any swear words.

  • #2
    Dart gun? Air powered.

    Or from a distance a Remington 700P!?!?!
    Let's go diggin' dirt....

    Big silver bird, come land low and slow
    Cut your engines, cool your wings,
    You've taken me home...

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    • #3
      How about a net?

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      • #4
        Net.... or wait a few nights so they aren't so freaked out....

        Ducks are notorious for becoming spooked by the littlest things.... I changed my feed bucket to an orange one a few weeks ago, and you'd have thought I'd come into the run with a pump-action shotgun....

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        • #5
          Can you put something like netting round the pond to cut off their access, then put a baby bath of water in the shed? They'll go in for the water..especially if there is food too. But if you do, dont try to catch owt for a few days if poss, they aren't daft and will notice their 'pals' going missing, which will put them off going near.
          Anyone who says nothing is impossible has never tried slamming a revolving door

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          • #6
            They go to a friends to be prepared professionaly for the table, so they need to be caught alive, so as much as the air rifle would be the easiest way, its not feasible.

            The pond is about 350 m2, so fencing it off would be too costly I think.

            Think I'm just going to have to sit and wait, let them get used to the new entrance (but can only wait until Tuesday night as they are going to my friends then to get prepared for the table.

            Thanks all, I think patience and a net may just have to be the way.
            Bob Leponge
            Life's disappointments are so much harder to take if you don't know any swear words.

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            • #7
              Are you sure that's enough room for 30? 9000 sq metres seems a tad small !

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              • #8
                Variation on a crow trap?
                The basic idea is that they can get in easily, but not out, and you put one of their pals inside, and feed it, so that they want to join in. Not sure exactly how they work (similar principle to a lobster pot??)
                Flowers come in too many colours to see the world in black-and-white.

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