Can one enforce Imprinting?????! Any duck whisperer's out there?

[alaskan_crew]

First time duck owner/lover. My ducklings are some kind of Khaki/Swed cross/mutt, I really don't know.

But I adopted 2 babies at 5 days old and as of today they are 7 days old and they are still scared to death of me. I read that ducks imprint like dogs and will follow humans around and that is how I hooked my dh on saying ok.

Yes, I would have made this up just to own these pretty babies but now I'm so sad that they won't run to me like I'm their owner/mama. I hold them several times a day and sing the same song to to these girls and hold them and offer special treats and still they are terrified.

Should I give up and just let them be natural living birds or will they turn around and appreciate me in the long run?

I'd probably keep pushing myself either way but I guess I'm hoping to hear other success stories or tips, hints, or secrets?

If this helps, I took them from under their momma's wing. Gosh, that sounds terrible.
Any outside info anyone?

 

[MidnightChickenLover]

Imprinting is natural, you cant force it. If you were there when they first hatched, they would have imprinted to you. Keep on what you are doing, they'll get used to you. Also a hint: Make it so that when holding there is a prize afterwards so they learn if they do what you want them to, they'll get what they want. It is the same way you teach most dogs...

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
They imprinted on their momma, they know you ARE NOT their momma and never will be! you can try to become their aunt or their buddy but that isn't the same thing. The one thing that has worked for me is to get down on their level so you aren't some huge monster (I lay on the lawn and move only my fingers) usually one brave soul will come to check out the movement. If there just happens to be some treats there the others tend to join in. often they will be walking (and pooping) all over me. that gets me through being a big monster and I can then try for friend or treat dispenser, but I know I am not going to be their momma, ever.