How to tame new ducklings? They hate me :(

[PoultryAddict 1]

Hello!
(me again)

So I FINALLY got my ducklings in, one cayuga and one welsh Harlaquin from Metzer Farms, but there's only one problem...
they hate me.

When I enter their domain they peep and run to a far corner, when I try to pick them up they freak, all my chicks were friendly..and I hoped they would imprint on me, they are just two days old now but it seems that they despise me. what the heck am I doing wrong?

I feel rejected...

 

[Hybridchucks]

Just be calm around them, and make them trust you they should imprint if they are only a couple days old! Wrap them (gently) in blanket and talk to them softly! then everything should be fine! xxx

Bread crumbs are not so good for them except in extreme moderation! Try worms! They should love em! Unless you get too grossed out lol xxx

 

[Hybridchucks]

Can I ask for a pic? lol xx

 

[Kiki to Nana]

They are young, though ours loved us right away...give them a little bit and in 6-8months they will go back to hating you again

 

[chickens really]

Never feed bread to them..... Of zero value to a Duck..
Anyways.

Put your hand in the brooder slowly and lightly peep to them as you slowly tap your fingers around their food and water...... They like that and then use one finger to pet them....They will quickly love you.....Give them time..


Cheers!

 

[Kiki to Nana]

Hold them!! We always held the babies and played in the yard with them! We even watched tv together!

Hello! (me again) So I FINALLY got my ducklings in, one cayuga and one welsh Harlaquin from Metzer Farms, but there's only one problem... they hate me. When I enter their domain they peep and run to a far corner, when I try to pick them up they freak, what the heck am I doing wrong? all my chicks were friendly..and I hoped they would imprint on me, they are just two days old now but it seems that they despise me. what the heck am I doing wrong? I feel rejected...

 

[Hybridchucks]

here are the little buggers! so cute!

GORGEOUS!!

 

[Kroelies]

Holding them and put them on your chest under your clothes (a bathrobe works very good) will make them feel safe and secure, like when they would be with a momma duck

Don't be sad they don't hate you They are super adorable

 

[Michelle 0831]

We would place our babies, chicks and ducklings on a towel in our lap. While we watched tv they would just sort of nest as my husband would fence them in with his hands. Then comfort with some soft words and pet them gently. They would get quiet and sleep...we did this most every night for weeks. You can cover with a blanket if they are stressed. They quickly go to sleep. We have some incredibly tame animals. Very friendly. We are a big family!!

 

[Rockyducks]

I have to say holding may be your best way. I always took one of my boys out of his brooding box and put him in my sweater pocket like a kangaroo mama. He even climbed my shoulder and hid under the hood. Just spend time with them try feeding them the chick starter out of your hand too. Mine were like yours too in the beginning but they came around realized I was bringing them goods! Now they chase me to their new Pen! which is not even finished but they like to swim in the pool in there. Mine are about 6 weeks now and have almost all their feathers.