Bonding With Ducks

[Lifeiseasy]

Thanks. I don't try to push them too much and only hold them for a couple of minutes. It's just, if they don't trust or like me then we can't let them free range in the yard because we wouldn't be able to get them back into their coop. I also know Cayugas aren't known to be "lap ducks" but we have a chestnut tree in our yard so I have to be able to check their feet for injuries without them flipping out.

 

[gal5150]

I would definitely keep up with the light handling. It's so important for when you need to do wellness checks. Consistency. Persistence. They WILL learn that it's an annoyance but not a threat even if they don't become lap ducks. They just need to habituated to the process. You're doing great!!!

 

[biophiliac]

Thanks. I don't try to push them too much and only hold them for a couple of minutes. It's just, if they don't trust or like me then we can't let them free range in the yard because we wouldn't be able to get them back into their coop. I also know Cayugas aren't known to be "lap ducks" but we have a chestnut tree in our yard so I have to be able to check their feet for injuries without them flipping out.

Good job! Just a couple of minutes is perfect! Sometimes its 2 steps forward and 1 step back. One they get that capture is not 'the end' , they can be calmer around you generally.

I would definitely keep up with the light handling. It's so important for when you need to do wellness checks. Consistency. Persistence. They WILL learn that it's an annoyance but not a threat even if they don't become lap ducks. They just need to habituated to the process. You're doing great!!!

X2, Very good advice Gal5150

 

[Lifeiseasy]

Thank you for your support and advice! I'm definitely going to keep trying. Sadly I haven't been able to handle them for the past two days due to very nasty weather and family celebrations. The weather actually isn't supposed to get better any time soon but as soon as it does I will stay out there with them longer and hold them.

 

[Lifeiseasy]

The ducks have gotten a lot better. They still run away from me when I go to pick them up but the two friendlier ones will at least come back for treats. Even the goose is letting me pick her up more

 

[gal5150]

Woohooo! And that all has happened pretty quickly! You are becoming a real water fowl whisperer!

 

[Kiki to Nana]

The ducks have gotten a lot better. They still run away from me when I go to pick them up but the two friendlier ones will at least come back for treats. Even the goose is letting me pick her up more

Get used to it lol. I feel like the older they get the more they think that they don't really need you and just run every chance lol.

 

[Lifeiseasy]

I'm glad it hasn't taken too long for them to not freak out whenever I pick them up. One of them almost fell asleep in my arms the other day until another one quacked rather loudly . Two of them will also come up to me if I sit and put my hand out. It doesn't matter if I have food or not.