We have always tried to hold them. We brought 3 of the ones that liked to be held the most. The one in the basket was the most tolerant. Very well behaved. The photographer was even able to get a pic of it standing near a teenage boy. That was the cutest I have ever seen. Here are more of...
Here is our very patient mallard duckling that behaved in a half a day photo shoot. Never squirmed when handled and even stayed still in this basket.
Our goose and gander with goslings...hard to see, but they also adopted the ducklings.
I will have to look for the other duck pics...