I think animals that are curious and highly social tend to be viewed as "more trouble" by people who prefer species that are aloof and independent. Ducks like to have fun. They're known for their clownish antics. Raising a single duckling and raising a single chick, though not recommended unless the person really knows what they're doing, will show the difference. A duckling communicates needs very well, requires interaction, and will cuddle up w/ a human it has imprinted on. I think geese are even more so. Chickens, IMHO, tend to be more independent and, yes, they may follow their human around and fly onto their lap, etc., they do tend to be more aloof than a pet duck.
Of course, when a flock of ducklings is raised together they tend to adhere and imprint on each other more than the human and that is why some people say that ducks seem to be "scared of them". I think, too, that people have sudden movements and try to grab at the duck and this sets off their natural flight drive. Most animals have to be worked with and their trust has to be gained. They have to be exposed to lots of situations in order to become used to the way humans react unpredictably, flailing their arms, bursting out laughing, etc.
They are simply different and require different environments, to an extent.