Aggressive biting duckling

[sunsetkeys]

I have (4) 1 week old ducklings 2 pekin 2 cayuga. I guess i should say i have had them one week, i got them from the feed store the day they came in so pretty close. One of the pekin ducks started out almost right off the bat biting whenever we picked it up. We persisted but it has only gotten worse with head shaking and actually trying to tear skin off my hand. This one duckling has also double the size of the other 3 whom are not aggresive at all and very pleasant to handle and be around. I have not ever had any experience with this before with any ducklings. Any advise would be appreciated im concerned about this mean behavior. Thank you

 

[Amiga]

I wish I had some experience with this, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. Others have had this issue, but I don't remember how they dealt with it. Have you started giving them a little chick grit and treats yet?

 

[jenniemig]

One of my ducklings was more "mouthy" than the others and did the same thing, even shaking her head. She still nibbles on my hands, hair and clothes like she's tasting everything. I don't think it is aggression probably just her way of checking you out;-)

How does she act towards the other ducklings? Is she nibbling on them?

 

[sunsetkeys]

yes i give them grit and some herbs and greens in small amounts. Its bizarre to me.. never seen this before.. Thank you for the warm welcome and the reply

 

[sunsetkeys]

nothing towards the other ducklings at all. but the minute we try and pick him up he starts screaming and then biting hard.. gettin to the point its going to hurt soon and they are a week old.. like i said im shocked and im shocked at the size of this particular duckling atleast twice the size of the other 3 and the other one of the same breed. but looks like a pekin..

 

[desertdarlene]

Does he bite when you don't try to pick him up. Like does he bite when you're just petting him, handling the other ducklings, or when you're putting more food and water in?

 

[sunsetkeys]

no just runs away. so as of now he isnt going after me unless i pick him up. But my concern is as he grows up is this going to get worse?

 

[desertdarlene]

I'm thinking he's scared, because if he was mean or territorial, he would be running to attack you the minute you put your hand in or got near his "spot". Perhaps try not picking him up unless you have to and petting him or offering treats without holding him.

Full grown drakes sometimes bite or nip when they're in breeding mode, but those are mature drakes, not fuzzy ducklings.

He may be big because of his breed. Jumbo Pekins grow faster than other breeds.

 

[sunsetkeys]

well these 2 pekin were not suppose to be jumbo but he is not a normal one lol

 

[sunsetkeys]

could very well be afraid..