Bought some 2 week old duckings at auction, want them to be at peace with me

[kaumlauf]

I need some advice, I think. I know it is impossible for these older ducklings to imprint thoroughly on me now. But is there a way to get them to somewhat imprint on me? I am handling them a lot. Cuddling, holding, etc. Other advice? The box they were in was lebeled "Mallards" and they look Mallardlike. But, they are relatively calm, as if they've had some handling. thnx

 

[deer trail duck farms]

lots of treats and love. all you can do. and be prepared to have it not happen.

 

[igorsMistress]

For now just hang out with them and be calm. Once they know they can trust you they'll become much more comfortable. When they get a bit older and start getting treats, frozen peas are the way to go. I buy a 2 pound bag of great value frozen peas and that lasts quite a while.

 

[Miss Lydia]

For now just hang out with them and be calm. Once they know they can trust you they'll become much more comfortable. When they get a bit older and start getting treats, frozen peas are the way to go. I buy a 2 pound bag of great value frozen peas and that lasts quite a while.

Frozen peas thawed? I've never fed frozen before?

 

[igorsMistress]

Frozen peas thawed? I've never fed frozen before?

I only thaw in winter, they love them frozen in summer. It’s terrible hot here, lows in the 90’s and highs at 110+ daily. My girls also get into the chicken pools. I put ice blocks in them to slowly melt and they like the cool water as much as the chickens do.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

I need some advice, I think. I know it is impossible for these older ducklings to imprint thoroughly on me now. But is there a way to get them to somewhat imprint on me? I am handling them a lot. Cuddling, holding, etc. Other advice? The box they were in was lebeled "Mallards" and they look Mallardlike. But, they are relatively calm, as if they've had some handling. thnx

I have always gotten older birds, except for this spring when I allowed one of my girls to hatch some ducklings. At any rate, no one has ever been imprinted on me. I tend to not handle my birds much unless I need to for medical care. I do, however, sit outside with them a lot while they forage. I tend to stay close, but quiet, either just watching them or gardening or doing whatever else needs to be done outside. Because I don’t try to catch them, they have built up a nice level of trust, and are comfortable in my presence. They even seem to see me as protection, as they will come to me if they see or sense a predator.

We have a routine, and every night ends with mealworms or peas or watermelon. They get in line waiting for me to give them treats (Matilda is always first).

At any rate, they’re not cuddly, but they do come to me and allow me to get close without panicking. If I do need to catch one for medical care, they do quite well

 

[kaumlauf]

lots of treats and love. all you can do. and be prepared to have it not happen.

Thank you!

 

[kaumlauf]

I only thaw in winter, they love them frozen in summer. It’s terrible hot here, lows in the 90’s and highs at 110+ daily. My girls also get into the chicken pools. I put ice blocks in them to slowly melt and they like the cool water as much as the chickens do.

Thank you!

 

[kaumlauf]

I have always gotten older birds, except for this spring when I allowed one of my girls to hatch some ducklings. At any rate, no one has ever been imprinted on me. I tend to not handle my birds much unless I need to for medical care. I do, however, sit outside with them a lot while they forage. I tend to stay close, but quiet, either just watching them or gardening or doing whatever else needs to be done outside. Because I don’t try to catch them, they have built up a nice level of trust, and are comfortable in my presence. They even seem to see me as protection, as they will come to me if they see or sense a predator.

We have a routine, and every night ends with mealworms or peas or watermelon. They get in line waiting for me to give them treats (Matilda is always first).

At any rate, they’re not cuddly, but they do come to me and allow me to get close without panicking. If I do need to catch one for medical care, they do quite well

Thank you.

 

[kaumlauf]

Frozen peas thawed? I've never fed frozen before?

Thanks!