Member of: APA         (American Poultry Association)

I wanted Indian Runner ducks to teach my dogs to herd. My Border Collies are trained in obedience and agility plus a few other tricks. I really wanted them to do what Border Collies do best, herding. Well as all best laid plans do, this plan went awry. I got them in the midst of the winter and had to build a pen as well as shelter to house them. Finally I got the ducks and a few days later decided to try them with the dogs. Not only were they afraid of the dogs but they were terrified of me.  I was chasing them out in the back field and nearly onto the highway. Almost in tears, I phoned the breeder who said "Make ducklings!" I have worked in the field of animals all my life and really did not want any more ducks. But I incubated and hatched 50 or so ducklings this spring and kept 6 for myself that I was determined to tame. They are so tame now that the ducks chase the dogs and pull fur off their rumps if they get too close. I am going to have to send ducks and dogs to therapy to reverse their roles in life. lol My BCs take great delight in hearing me say "Put them in the pen!". The ducks realize then who is doing the herding!