I have six ducks. Three drakes and three hens. They were all handled at least once a day from the time we got them. The drakes, while they do not like being held, come over to me and bow, and will follow me around and nibble at my toes, fingers, whatever. Generally seem to want to hang out in same vicinity as humans. They will eat out of my hand and come to fence or side of pen when a human is near. The hens, on the other hand, want to stay as far away as possible, will not eat out of my hand, simply want nothing to do with humans. All were handled about the same, so wondering if it is related to their sex somehow? Two Khaki Drakes, one Magpie hen, one Magpie Drake (5 months), and two Khaki Hens (two months)
My first group of ducks had a similiar upbringing and their behavior was about the same as your according to sex. Eventually one of the drakes made it clear he thought I was his girlfriend. I now avoid handling the drakes too much when they are little so they don't get species-confused. I don't think it happens with all drakes but when it does its a real pain.
Whe I lived in the country I had a hen too. She hated me. Would not come near me. My drake loves me. Big reason I chose him to come with us to our apartment, and she has a new home.
one of my hen is so social its not funny. So is one of my drakes the rest could care less. I have 5 drakes 3 hens. The hens are separated from the drakes. But the two that like me also were the two that would follow me around as ducklings.
