A question on imprinting

[CeceliaD]

I have two ducklings, about a week and a half old, and they have imprinted on me. I’m getting 8 chicks in a couple days and I’m going to introduce them all, but for the past week or so it’s just been me and my ducklings. The first night, I had them sleep in a room inside their crate next to a space heater (I couldn’t find my heat lamp). The next day was when I noticed them following me and getting upset when they couldn’t see me. That night, I tried to put them in that room again, but when I left they cried for about 20 minutes. It broke my heart so bad, but I thought that that was what I was supposed to do. After they finally fell asleep, I started researching and learned more and more about imprinting, but nothing specific to my case. I have had ducks before but never this young, so I didn’t know much about imprinting. I know ducks need other ducks and imprint on siblings, but is it ok for me to leave the two of them alone at night even if they cry and call for me? I read an article by PETA (which may have been a bad idea, as it was titled “owning ducks leads to a life of misery” or something like that) that said you can’t leave imprinted ducklings alone at all ever. I also read another article that says you should sleep with imprinted ducklings. My confusion is whether or not these things remain true if there are two ducklings or if they’re only true with single ducklings. Will I traumatize them if I make them sleep without me? I’ve had them on my nightstand since that night and I’ve felt terribly guilty about leaving them, so I don’t think I can try to do it again until they’re older, but I just want to know if it’s ok to leave imprinted ducklings alone at night if they have one other duckling with them. Sorry for such a long explanation, I just wanted to make sure I got all the info across. Thanks for reading!!

 

[Ratchnick]

I would say its ok to leave them over night.

 

[Sgt_P]

Even though they are domesticated ducks, I try to think of what would happen in the wild (or even in a duck yard. They want to be part of a flock, but Mom isn't always around.

It's good you have two. I'd be more concerned if one were alone.

I also read about their growing stages, and I'll have to paraphrase: As baby ducklings, they're cute and can even want to cuddle. Then as gawky "teenagers", they can be aloof, flighty, and even rebellious. And finally, as adults, they calm a bit, but even handraised birds aren't as trusting and don't like to be chased and held.

Obviously this varies based on breed and conditioning, and individual traits. And the more time you spend, and the more people they are around will help with the adult taming.

All this said to say, they'll be fine! But the more time you spend with them the tamer they'll be...

 

[Runner duck mom]

We've raised 3 sets of ducklings indoors over the past few years and it's been a lot of fun. They grow up so fast and their brooder needs to be cleaned often so we like having them in a convient area where we can check on them often. We have not kept them with us overnight, they seem to do ok and are always extra excited to see us in the morning.
Since you have 2 they will keep each other company and you can always add a mirror in their brooder, they will love it!
They should be fine without you overnight but if you want to keep them with you that's great too
Lol, I read that PETA article when first researching ducks as well...not helpful

 

[CeceliaD]

We've raised 3 sets of ducklings indoors over the past few years and it's been a lot of fun. They grow up so fast and their brooder needs to be cleaned often so we like having them in a convient area where we can check on them often. We have not kept them with us overnight, they seem to do ok and are always extra excited to see us in the morning.
Since you have 2 they will keep each other company and you can always add a mirror in their brooder, they will love it!
They should be fine without you overnight but if you want to keep them with you that's great too
Lol, I read that PETA article when first researching ducks as well...not helpful

I’m glad to hear that people have left them alone at night and everything turned out fine. The mirror is a great idea! I should’ve thought of that sooner. I think I might try to have them sleep alone soon; they’ve been ok with being left alone in their bigger crate for a couple hours at a time now, so they might be comfortable if I do.
That article ruined my first night with my duckies! I felt so bad about them crying so I researched for hours and that was the one that set me over the edge. I went and woke them up to bring them to my room with me because I got freaked out . So silly. They were sound asleep and would’ve been fine. Thank you for your reply!

 

[CeceliaD]

Even though they are domesticated ducks, I try to think of what would happen in the wild (or even in a duck yard. They want to be part of a flock, but Mom isn't always around.

It's good you have two. I'd be more concerned if one were alone.

I also read about their growing stages, and I'll have to paraphrase: As baby ducklings, they're cute and can even want to cuddle. Then as gawky "teenagers", they can be aloof, flighty, and even rebellious. And finally, as adults, they calm a bit, but even handraised birds aren't as trusting and don't like to be chased and held.

Obviously this varies based on breed and conditioning, and individual traits. And the more time you spend, and the more people they are around will help with the adult taming.

All this said to say, they'll be fine! But the more time you spend with them the tamer they'll be...

Thanks for this reply! They’ve been getting better about being left alone for a couple hours at a time, so I think I’ll test it out in a week or so to see how they do.