spend lots of time with them (and time with them separately without the other ducks) hand feed them their favorite bugs/veggies, don’t force them to cuddle when they don’t want to, have a routine so they are more comfortable with everything (this all works for adults or ducklings)
Yes, except actually never separate my ducks unless one of them is sick. They feel safer together so I try not to part them. I feed them together, they seem to do better that way, when the first one comes to me, the rest follow! That's just my ducks though, everyone is different. I will say this...NEVER try to hold them if they are grown ducks, it could make your duck take MUCH longer to trust you.
I think separating for 1 on 1 time is a great way to help tame young ducklings because they are still very impressionable and naturally like snuggling, but yeah I wouldn't separate an adult duck while trying to tame. If I tried to separate Karen from the others it would just stress her out more. I've still just been giving them mealworms and treats and just spending a lot of time out there around them, Karen is finally starting to trust me again after her time as a hostage in my bathroom while I was treating her wound, she came up and took the mealworms out of my hand. Only took one bite before Penguin scared her off but she is getting more comfortable with me
Go Karen!I think separating for 1 on 1 time is a great way to help tame young ducklings because they are still very impressionable and naturally like snuggling, but yeah I wouldn't separate an adult duck while trying to tame. If I tried to separate Karen from the others it would just stress her out more. I've still just been giving them mealworms and treats and just spending a lot of time out there around them, Karen is finally starting to trust me again after her time as a hostage in my bathroom while I was treating her wound, she came up and took the mealworms out of my hand. Only took one bite before Penguin scared her off but she is getting more comfortable with me
Awww! Yes! Please share your tips to help others out!!!
I agree that this is a good thread. My ducks arrive this week!!!!! I hope they are good ducks. I'd live to be able to take them for walks!
Just give them time, they will lighten up! Spend lots of time out there with them! You don't have to get near them, just be where they can see you. Sit down and just talk soft to them! When feeding them, feed about 2 feet away from you, just stand there and don't try to touch them or even bend down. Its different when you're just in the yard as they are not forced to come to you as for feeding, your pretty much saying "eat by me or don't eat at all". Obviously, that's not what you're trying to do but you have to remember...they are prey animals, its natural for them to be scared in the presence of you. God put that fear in them to keep them safe! Just keep that in mind. Also, make up a call in a certain tone and call them every day the same way before feeding them! They will catch on! (This call will need to be for feeding time only) here's a tip, treat them with something special besides duck food every once and a while! You would hate having to eat the same thing every day! They get tired of it too and i promise you, it won't hurt them! My duck favorite is spaghetti! Once they are comfortable doing this, (not going to give a certain amount of days because every duck is different) begin to feed them closer to you. (Maybe a foot or so) again, wait for them to become comfortable with this. Keep feeding them closer and closer to you and eventually you will be able to feed them at your feet! At this stage, you can try and bend down but don't talk or attempt to pet them, you are still building trust. When your ducks are responding to your duck call, feasting happily at your feet, following you around the yard and even quacking for you in the mornings, you can try reaching out and lightly touching them on the back. See their reaction! If hes ok with it, he will act like he didn't even feel it! If this is the case, stroke him once or twice on the back. Still good? Congratulations!!! Your duck is tame! If not, don't fret, you did nothing wrong. Try another duck and give him more time! He'll come around! Every duck is different! Remember, if one duck does it, the rest will most likely follow his example! Lmk if this helped! I hope your ducks do well and the method works!
