New Indian runner duck owner.

I have 2 females about 3 1/2 months old. I've had them for 2 weeks. They are so skittish. Every time I go near them they just start quaking and shoving themselves in the corner of their coop. I'm afraid they're going to hurt themselves.
This is their current set up. We open the door in the morning hoping that they will come out walk around get acquainted with their new home, scavenge around the yard for food and then go home when they need a rest or want a swim in their pool. What they do instead is hang around their coop all day in the corner and not come out unless we physically make them leave and then they go hide under a bush or something. After their door is open all day and we go to close it at night is when they have come out of their home to eat. By that time is time to shut them for the night so it doesn't accomplish anything. They're currently eating feed I want them to eat more of a natural diet. I would like them to feel comfortable and I would like them to trust me. How do I go about getting them to not be so skittish? Their coop is set on the side of the yard that is mulch but we're in a half an acre with lush Florida grass full of bugs and the yard it not sprayed with spectesside.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I'm afraid I'm not a duck person but please do drop by the duck section of the forum. Here is the link ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks
When I'm taming new chicks or adults, I have found just spending time sat with them really helps. I don't pick them up or even try to stroke them at first u till they are just used to my presence with them. As time goes on and they become more accustomed to me that's when I start the handling. Things just take time but with patience things really do work out.

Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy BYC

Thank you! I will direct this post to the duck forum.

Yaritza said:

Thank you! I will direct this post to the duck forum.

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Hi! When I want to spend time with a new duck, try to find a way to do it without them knowing what you are trying to do For example - I will take a book into their coop and sit with them and read for a while. They will see me, but I won't be looking at them or bothering them. Next best thing to do - treats! I adopted two year old runners, and they were very skittish. They love food though, so if they see me hauling the treat bucket out of the shed, they come tearing across the yard to get to me first. They will eat out of my hand, and don't run away when I walk past them, but they do not like to be held. Get some mealworms. It will make any duck love you till the end of time. Thawed frozen peas are a close second. My rule with mealworms or peas is that they have to eat it out of my hand. If you sprinkle some around you so they can taste it and know what it is, offer it from them on in your open palm. Try to find out if they don't feel safe in your yard for some reason. Is there snakes? Is there a dog or a neighbors dog that is alarming them? Don't try to force them out of their coop, try enticing them out. Maybe next time you dump their pool, place it just outside their run and fill it up there. I would think that over time, they will become more comfortable with their yard, and get to work on those bugs! I have 1/3 acre, and I haven't seen a snail or slug in months! My garden is bug free, and they have reduced my pill bug population so much I hardly see them anymore. Head over to the duck forum - there is so many people on there smarter than me!

Thanks for the meal worm idea. Will definitely grab some up tomorrow. The reading a book outside thing I like too. I can work on my tan and bond at the same time!

Yaritza said:

Thanks for the meal worm idea. Will definitely grab some up tomorrow. The reading a book outside thing I like too. I can work on my tan and bond at the same time!

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We call mealworms duck crack around here. They just about lose their minds when they see the bag Sit down wile you are feeding it to them, get them used to your hands and face. I would assign one person to care for them for a while, so they get used to you. After time, allow the rest of the family to help out more. I have 4 kids, and even the most skittish adopted ducks will eat out of my 3 year old's hands. They will put up with anything to get some mealworms!

I'm the one home all day so i will be the primary person who takes care of them. You're the second person who suggested meal worms so I'll be heading to the store tomorrow to get some.
Thanks

(I posted this on the other thread too, just in case.)

It's an adjustment process. Patience is the key.

A guide to taming ducks: http://www.raising-ducks.com/how-to-taming-a-duck/

There are many treats you can give them, not just mealworms (although I think that's their favorite). Cucumbers, watermelon, cabbage, lettuce, and tomatoes are my ducks' favorite veggies. They just go WILD for lettuce!

It takes a while for them to start eating more naturally and foraging more, too. When I first got mine, they were just like yours – squashing themselves into a corner and refusing to come out unless we made them. But we learned that the best way was not to make them do it. After waiting a while, they got more relaxed, and eventually started exploring more. I think it was about a month before they ventured out of their pen. Don't worry, they'll discover the yard someday.

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I'm a chicken person but reading about any poultry is interesting. I think you got some good tips from the duck greeters today. Good luck with your Runners!

@jducour funny you calling mealworms duck crack...around here we call mealworms chicken crack, lol.

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!