Aggressive muscovy duckling??

[Sylviambt]

Of my three ducklings, one is very aggressive, striking out and biting me whenever I put clean shavings, food or water in the brooding area. Can anyone tell me of their experience? I'm new to ducks and Muscovies, and hate the thought that this is the expected behavior.
Sylviambt

 

[Miss Lydia]

Of my three ducklings, one is very aggressive, striking out and biting me whenever I put clean shavings, food or water in the brooding area. Can anyone tell me of their experience? I'm new to ducks and Muscovies, and hate the thought that this is the expected behavior.
Sylviambt

This is not normal behavior I have many Muscovy ducklings and none have acted this way. how old are these ducklings? How does it act when you pick it up? When it does this I'd pick it up gently and carry it around speaking softly to it and don't put it down till it is calm. This is not behavior you want especially when it becomes an adult. Hw long have you had the ducklings and when you are changing the shaving and putting in fresh food and water are you moving fast or normal pace. Ducks don't like fast movement. It scares them.

 

[Going Quackers]

In full agreement with ML, having a lot of Muscovies myself, not ever had this. Scared? Yes, but with time, patience and so forth they are usually pretty personable.

 

[Sylviambt]

Thank you both for your insights. I'm very glad to learn that this is unusual behavior. Just as I cull cattle that show dangerous behaviors, I really don't want a duck with this type of attitude among the others. I've had the ducklings about two weeks and they're about four weeks old. This particular duckling has demonstrated aggressive behavior right from the start, rearing his head and poised to strike as soon as he sees me. I always speak softly even before entering their area so as not to surprise them. I move slowly and fluidly so as not to startle them. When picked up, this duckling seems calm enough, but reverts to aggressive behavior as soon as he's back on his feet. The other two ducklings are very tractable in contrast. I will try holding and calming him down and see if that helps.

 

[Going Quackers]

Would you be able to post any pictures? again, i have never encountered this, i find it extremely puzzling.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I do to GQ, I'm thinking something maybe going on with this particular duckling that can't be seen on the outside, Maybe neurological? just a guess though.

 

[Sylviambt]

Miss Lydia
Thanks again for your interest. I'll see if I can post a video to YouTube that might capture this duckling's behavior. I did as you suggested and held him gently, speaking softly all the while. This did calm him down, but he reverted to his nasty biting as soon as I placed him down on the wood shavings. I'll let you know when the video's available.
Sylviambt