Anti-social ducks

[Alexandra33]

I think that bread is considered to be harmful to ducks because of the risk of crop impaction. While I agree that I wouldn't give your birds excessive amounts (because I myself don't feed mine too much to be on the safe side; I limit their intake), my grandpa raised a few Pekin ducklings years ago, and since he didn't buy feed to give them, he sustained them on bread and milk as babies, not to mention that they got spaghetti with sauce as a regular part of their diet once they matured. One actually lived to be 18 years old! However, even though their lifespan was extensive, those weren't exactly the ideal, healthy eating habits that I would encourage. I will say, though, my ducks love a little bit of carbs (within reason, of course) here and there.

-Alexandra33

 

[needlessjunk]

The drake only did it once and it was only when I was outside the fence.  Otherwise he just does that weird "dance"  with the raised crest and the hiss noise.  He's too heavy for me to pickup last time I tried I got a wing to the face, lol.  What's wrong with the bread?  When I get a call for free bread that's when they get it.  I'd like to do the meal worms but they are expensive.

Bread has no nutritional value so it's like feeding them a candy bar. It's a big problem at parks and such because that is all the ducks eat. In a home flock you can control how much of their diet it is. It's just easier for me to feed my ducks something that has some nutritional value and not worry about it. Plus mine don't like bread, lol. Anything that is processed like bread and crackers has added salt and oil as well.

 

[taz0812]

My ducks love love love hard cat food. Which is actually good protein for them. They come to the door every morning begging for a handful. Male ducks are a bit friendlier than females. Had a male khaki that loved being picked up and held. He got killed by a dog about a week ago and I now have two females which do not like being picked up.

 

[dreamingfarming]

I think that bread is considered to be harmful to ducks because of the risk of crop impaction. While I agree that I wouldn't give your birds excessive amounts (because I myself don't feed mine too much to be on the safe side; I limit their intake), my grandpa raised a few Pekin ducklings years ago, and since he didn't buy feed to give them, he sustained them on bread and milk as babies, not to mention that they got spaghetti with sauce as a regular part of their diet once they matured. One actually lived to be 18 years old! However, even though their lifespan was extensive, those weren't exactly the ideal, healthy eating habits that I would encourage. I will say, though, my ducks love a little bit of carbs (within reason, of course) here and there.

-Alexandra33

Lol wow pampered ducks! Also 18 years wow incredible.

 

[misha92]

I must admit a cuddle from a duck is the best kinda cuddle.

I had my ducks from 2/3 days old, I started off with having them on my lap as much as possible and feeding them a few goodies like sweat corn and halved grapes so they could associate human interaction with treats.

Once they were comfortable with that I would pick them up and give them a treat, hold them for minute ir 2 give them another treat and put them back down.

When ever I approached them I would show them a treat let them come to me then stroke them then give them a treat.

They haven't imprinted on me so don't follow me around and do still run away at times but when they're feeling sociable (wanting treats) they will be at my ankles.

I hope this helps

 

[dreamingfarming]

Bread has no nutritional value so it's like feeding them a candy bar. It's a big problem at parks and such because that is all the ducks eat. In a home flock you can control how much of their diet it is. It's just easier for me to feed my ducks something that has some nutritional value and not worry about it. Plus mine don't like bread, lol. Anything that is processed like bread and crackers has added salt and oil as well.

Oh okay.

 

[dreamingfarming]

My ducks love love love hard cat food. Which is actually good protein for them. They come to the door every morning begging for a handful. Male ducks are a bit friendlier than females. Had a male khaki that loved being picked up and held. He got killed by a dog about a week ago and I now have two females which do not like being picked up.

My chickens apparently love hard cat food ( as they eat my neighbor's cat food) much to my surprise and disgust. Sorry to hear about your Khaki male. I lost mine too after he broke his foot he was a great duck. He was healing fine and then one night he never came back....that was my only nice duck. He even let me bandage his leg no fuss even came up to me for feeding time. I sound like broken record but I really do miss him.

In other news there's some Muscovy being sold not too far from me I'm going to go check them out. Apparently the are "friendly" enough to eat right out of a person's hand.

 

[taz0812]

Thanks...I am still devasted by the loss of my duck. He used to follow me around like a puppy wanting to be picked up. I miss him terribly and I'm still looking for the dog that attacked him. We live in the woods where there are coons, coyotes, and numerous feral cats that live next door and I never had a problem with leaving my ducks out..I never penned them up. After Donald died my female pekin was depressed and traumatized since she survived the attack. But wouldn't eat or drink or even get up. So I went and got her a friend and within a few hours she was back herself however I can never replace Donald

 

[dreamingfarming]

Thanks...I am still devasted by the loss of my duck. He used to follow me around like a puppy wanting to be picked up. I miss him terribly and I'm still looking for the dog that attacked him. We live in the woods where there are coons, coyotes, and numerous feral cats that live next door and I never had a problem with leaving my ducks out..I never penned them up. After Donald died my female pekin was depressed and traumatized since she survived the attack. But wouldn't eat or drink or even get up. So I went and got her a friend and within a few hours she was back herself

however I can never replace Donald

Awe I'm glad she's feeling better but I know that feeling about Donald. :/