Bonding or Imprinting

[Green Liver]

I am a housewife and my children are grown (ages 24-18). I am still quite young (41) and yes, I do plan on spending 24/7 with Quack-Quack for the next 10-20 years, I have no reason not to. I can not work due to a bad back.
I have had other birds before (although not ducks or chickens) that also imprint, bond, and can not live in the wild because they have been hand fed and wings clipped, therefore they do not even THINK they can fly. I do not think I have brought a burden into my home and if you think this about domesticated birds why do you love them?

 

[jdywntr]

Well, domestic ducks don't have the survival skills to live in the wild. Its more about companionship for them. To each his own but no vacations, illnesses that will keep you bed ridden, even the flu. It is generally thought that having 2 is better for them. Again, introducing another later is not always easy.

 

[Frank Phinster]

If a bird can fly, it has the instinct to do so. I've seen several pinioned birds that tried desperately to fly.

I do not think of domesticated birds as burden per se - just about those which are raised in a way that makes them completely dependend on me. I would not like that. I like to see my ducks run around in their pen, form a flock, get a partner they stick to and raise their offspring. Just as it is supposed to be. I love my birds so I try to give them a life suited for their natural instincts.

 

[Green Liver]

I apprciate everyone's opinion very much that why I looked for a forum to join. I believe it is good to have well rounded adivice and opinions. Thank You for sounding out, it is one thing I am very good at.